SANCHEZ Watt has hailed rookie manager Joe Dunne’s passing style as the U’s target their fourth League One win in five matches under the Irishman, at home to Carlisle, on Saturday.

Dunne’s appointment as manager, following the dismissal of John Ward, has coincided with the U’s taking nine points from a possible 12, the latest win coming in a 1-0 home victory over Stevenage last weekend.

Loan star Watt was the hero in that game, clinching the point with an impressive long-range strike, and the Arsenal star believes Dunne’s philosophy is paying dividends.

The U’s looked to stretch the play as much as possible at the weekend, utilising widemen, Watt and Gavin Massey, while there was also a big emphasis on defenders playing the ball out from the back, something the 21-year-old is accustomed to seeing at The Emirates.

“It is good how the gaffer (Dunne) has got us playing and when we defeat a team like Stevenage it gives us more confidence,” said Watt, who has impressed in his temporary stint so far, along with fellow loan signings, Jabo Ibehre and Craig Eastmond.

“We should be higher in the league and people are willing to show that.

“The gaffer is playing a different style and he should be backed for letting us play that way. He wants us to trust each other in passing the ball.

“Anyone can kick it long and run up and down but we are doing both and we have a plan A and B.”

Watt’s style of play lends itself to a quick, passing game but the youngster admitted he is adding extra strings to his bow which he hopes will impress Gunners’ manager Arsene Wenger.

“I spoke to (Arsene) Wenger and my agent and they told me to just do the best I can at Colchester,” said the former Leeds loanee.

“As long as I do well, the football will come easy for me.

“People from Arsenal come to watch me play and watch you off the ball as the TV only usually shows the goals,

“The manager (at Colchester) wants me to go forward but he also wants me to help defensively too.

“I did that on Saturday and that gave me confidence when I went forward as I knew I was helping the team.”