COLCHESTER United head coach John McGreal admits it is important they have a good cup run this season as they aim to end their Carabao Cup hoodoo.

The U’s will go in search of a long-awaited first League Cup win in nine years when they host Swindon Town at the JobServe Community Stadium tonight.

Colchester’s last first-round victory in the competition came back in 2010 when a David Mooney brace helped then to a 3-0 triumph at Hereford United.

McGreal is expecting a tough game against their League Two rivals – but admits it is vital they make progress in this season’s competition.

McGreal said: “It’s really important to get a cup run, this season.

“It’s nice to get a home draw but it’s a tough, tough game against Swindon – we know that.

“They’ve spent well in the summer and Richie (Wellens) has done particularly well with the players that he’s recruited over there.

“We know that it’s going to be a really tough game.

“But we’re hoping to win a cup match, especially at home in front of our fans so that’s what we’ll be trying to do.”

McGreal will be looking for his Colchester side to provide an end product to their promising attacking play, following their 1-0 loss at Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

The U’s have only one goal to show for their efforts in their opening two matches of the new League Two season, despite showing enterprise in front of goal.

The likes of Jevani Brown and Luke Gambin were summer attacking additions for Colchester and boss McGreal wants to see reward for their efforts.

He said: “Is it going to take time for the new signings to gel?

“You’d hope not, because they’ve been in early.

“When’s it going to set fire, because they’ve got a lot of minutes under their belts.

“They’re getting into good opportunities, whether it’s crossing or shooting especially your top four because that’s where all the goals come from – your nine, your ten, your seven and 11.

“That’s where you’re looking for someone to step out of the pack and get your goals.

We’ll analyse our game as we do as normal, pick the bones out of the Plymouth game.”

McGreal could make changes to his starting line-up for their Carabao Cup tie tonight.

Ryan Jackson is in line to return at right-back after coming on as a late substitute at Plymouth last weekend, following an abdominal injury.

Luke Gambin and Andre Hasanally are also in contention to start but Harry Pell and Paris Cowan-Hall are both set to miss out because of Achilles injuries.