John McGreal believes there will be an extra edge to Colchester United’s clash with Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow because of the historic rivalry that still exists between the clubs.

They remain old foes following their intense non-league days, with Roy McDonough’s double-winning U’s side pipping the Chairboys to promotion to the Football League back in 1992.

McGreal says his Colchester players are well aware of the intensity of this weekend’s clash at Wycombe, who won 2-1 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last September.

And with just two points currently separating the two promotion-chasing teams in League Two, the U’s head coach is expecting a mouth-watering encounter at Adams Park.

“It’s a great game for us – I’m sure everyone will want to play on Saturday,” said McGreal, who missed out on the Sky Bet League Two manager of the month award for December after it was won by Lincoln City boss, Danny Cowley.

“Wycombe are a very experienced side, throughout their team.

“Even speaking to their guys after the game, we were unfortunate to lose to them earlier in the season.

“It’s not about revenge – it’s about going there looking to implement our game and try and win the game.

“The rivalry between the two teams will give it that extra bit of edge and the players all know about it as well.

“We know that it’s a great rivalry and it’s a good one for the fans – quite a few of our fans turned up when we went there last season and we got a result, so we’ll be looking to try and do that.

“We’re close to each other in the league and it’s so tight again.

“There’s a big prize to play for on Saturday and I know Gareth (Ainsworth) will have his team right at it and we’ll be tested.

“It’s up to us to implement our style of play and try and get the three points.”

Leading scorer Sammie Szmodics is set to return to Colchester’s starting line-up for their game with Wycombe after he was rested for the 4-1 home loss at the hands of Cheltenham Town.

“Resting Sammie last week was a wise decision,” said McGreal, who revealed Szmodics has hardly trained this week.

“He wasn’t too happy but afterwards, he came to me and said it was a wise decision because he could have played and broken down.

“He’s taken that maturity and he is growing – he has got to learn his body as well, because I think in the past he’s played where he’s pushed himself to the limit.

“Now he’s got to learn that he’s got a good career in the game and has to maximise his performances on the pitch, which I think is what we’ve been getting of late.

“He deserves all of the awards and the accolades that he’s getting at the minute because he’s a terrific player but not only that, he’s a fantastic lad.”

Left-back Kane Vincent-Young will be assessed ahead of tomorrow’s game after limping out of the Cheltenham defeat with a “slight hamstring pull”.

McGreal added: “Kane will want to play, because that’s the type of player that he is.

“He’s in a great bit of form at the minute but it’s one we’ll have to assess.”