Captain Louis Carey has warned his Bristol City team-mates that the trip to Colchester will not be as easy as their league position suggests.The promotion-chasing Robins travel to Layer Road on Saturday to face a team who are third from bottom of the Championship.

Carey, who is hoping to prove his fitness in time for game after missing the last two matches with a foot injury, told the club's official website: "The trip to Colchester won't be easy.

"They have drawn a lot of games this season, and that is why they are down at the bottom fighting for their lives.

"But that is the point, they are fighting for their lives. We have struggled at Layer Road in the past but now is the time when we need to go on a run, starting this weekend. But I am sure Colchester will be saying exactly the same thing."

Winger Ivan Sproule, meanwhile, insists that Bristol City have yet to see the best of him this season.

The Northern Ireland international believes that he has not lived up to expectations since moving to Ashton Gate from Scottish Premier League side Hibernian in the summer.

"You have to be your own worst critic, and maybe I haven't contributed enough," Sproule told BBC Radio Bristol.

"To be honest, I have let my game slip a bit. I should be getting on the ball a lot more. I owe it to the lads to produce a performance at Colchester on Saturday.

"That is the demands of this club now, you can't rest on your laurels because there are players waiting in the wings so it is time for me to deliver."

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