IT'S perhaps ironic that at a time where a lot of the Colchester United talk had been about their numerous attacking options, they drew a blank at home for the first time this season.

But with the array of talented offensive players that U’s head coach John McGreal now has at his disposal, it is surely unlikely that will be an issue too many more times between now and the end of the season.

The 0-0 home draw with Walsall was disappointing from a Colchester perspective, mainly as it halted what had been an encouraging winning run.

But the absence of a clinical edge in the final third against the Saddlers was perhaps more a symptom of the U’s recent gruelling schedule than any deeper, underlying problem.

McGreal will have presumably wanted a more substantial tally in the goals for column than the six mustered by his side in their seven league games, to date.

Nevertheless, by the time Colchester travel to Gloucestershire to play Forest Green Rovers this weekend, they will have more attacking options at their disposal.

Luke Gambin, who has been in good form for the U’s of late, will be back from international duty with Malta along with Brandon Comley.

And there is a chance that new signing Callum Harriott, who enjoyed a dazzling loan spell at the U’s in the 2015-16 season, could also be available for McGreal after joining on a two-year deal.

Colchester had Luke Norris, Frank Nouble, Courtney Senior and Paris Cowan-Hall in their starting line-up against Walsall.

In addition, Theo Robinson, Jevani Brown and youngster Kwame Poku, who looks such an exciting young prospect, came off the bench.

The fact that new loanee Brendan Wiredu, who can play in a variety of positions, was an unused substitute is perhaps an illustration of the attacking alternatives McGreal now has to choose from.

“We’ve got good subs to use from the bench," said McGreal, after the Walsall draw.

“The young boy Kwame (Poku) showed dazzling feet and that he wasn’t scared to take a shot, as well."

Indeed, the likes of Michael Fernandes and Louis Dunne will also be hoping to impress at under-23 level, in a bid to force their way into the first-team reckoning.

McGreal will have some big decisions to make ahead of the trip to the New Lawn.

But it is a positive thing that the U's boss has competition for places within his squad, especially in the attacking areas.

Whatever the personnel, Colchester have historically produced good, entertaining football under McGreal – and that means goals have never really been in short supply.

The attacking armoury they have now have should ensure that that continues this season – and that toothless performances like the one against Walsall are a rarity.