It will be the U's second consecutive game under floodlights following the Carling Cup match up at Sunderland in midweek and John is keen to take to the pitch again in front of an appreciative home crowd.

He added: "I like games under lights. It was relatively open at the Stadium Of Light, but it still felt a good atmosphere under lights.

"Even if we don't get a massive crowd, it is a big game under lights and there is a bit of a special flavour to games like this.

"There are lots of added things to this game which is really exciting."

As far as the U's injuries are concerned, Paul Reid (groin) and Marc Tierney (illness) have both been back with the squad since the Sunderland game.

Kem Izzet (ankle) is expected to be fit for the game, but Simon Hackney (back), Steven Gillespie and Ben Williams (both ankle) will miss the game.

Ben is back training with the rest of the squad, though, as he continues to recover from the injury sustained in the Essex Senior Cup final.

John pointed out: "The lads that came in on Tuesday did well. We have a squad which gives us the chance to mix it up when we have a lot of games.

"Any football club has its strength on the bench and I have players who have a good attitude to things waiting in the wings.

"They've been spot on and they have made a point to me about how ready they are."

To buy your tickets for Friday's game, call us on 0845 437 9089 or visit www.colutickets.com!