Mikael Mandron believes hard work has been the key to his recent improved form for Colchester United.

And the former Sunderland striker is hoping his goals can fire the U’s up the League Two table and eventually promotion.

Mandron has hit the net four times in his last five league games for John McGreal’s side, with his performances earning him nominations for both the EFL Player of the Month and PFA Bristol Motors Player of the Month for October.

The 23-year-old is one of the hardest-working members of the Colchester squad and after a slow start to his career in north Essex, the striker believes his endeavour is starting to pay off.

Mandron said: “It feels great and it’s always great to get nominated for awards.

“I scored a few goals last month and I think that’s what helped me.

“I feel like I’m finding my best form and I’ve felt very good lately.

“And if you look at our results as a team lately, we’ve been good as well so hopefully it will just keep going.

“I work hard every day to try and be the best player I can be and it’s nice to see other people outside of the club have seen that, so it’s good.

“Everything I can work on I work on, if it means I can make a difference.”

Mandron has missed only one league game for Colchester since his summer move from Wigan Athletic and the French striker says the faith head coach John McGreal has placed in him has been a big boost.

“A player needs time to grow in confidence and within the team and I think I’ve been able to do that here with the manager’s confidence," said Mandron, who missed out on landing the EFL Player of the Month accolade.

“He’s been playing me in every game really and I think I’ve been growing into the team and getting better.

“When you’re on the pitch, you try and do everything you can to help the team – even in the games when you’re not scoring goals.

“But as a striker, when you’re scoring it helps your confidence and it seems to bring your game together.”