TOM Eastman is hoping to lead by example as Colchester United strive for their first victory of the League Two season.

The U's have made a disappointing start, losing both of their away games so far and notching a point from their only home match, against Stevenage.

They will be hoping to put some much-needed points on the board in Saturday's contest against Forest Green Rovers, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The U's have a young squad and, in terms of selection, injury problems have forced head coach John McGreal's hand.

However, as one of the elder statesmen in the team, Eastman is hoping to make his experience count.

"I'm probably one of the older boys in the changing room now and there's probably a bit more responsibility on me," said the 25-year-old.

"I have quite a lot of young defenders around me like Frankie (Kent), Cameron (James) and Cole (Kpekawa).

"I'm probably one of the most experienced and hopefully I'll be able to show that.

"It's a case of helping other players along and making sure you're on top of your game, as well as the others, too.

"It's a shame about the injuries but when players are back, we're going to have even stronger competition for places, whether we play three or four at the back.

"We know that we have to work hard in training and in games to be in the starting line-up."

Eastman is a product of Ipswich Town's Academy, where he progressed through the ranks before making his first-team debut in 2010.

He joined the U's in the summer of 2011 and has since made over 200 appearances.

Eastman signed a two-year contract extension with the club before the start of the season and said: "I'm happy at Colchester.

"We're local and that's important when you have kids - it's a big thing for me.

"I was supposed to be at Colchester for another year and it was nice to get the second year, for that extra piece of security for me and the family."

And looking ahead to the campaign, he added: "I don't really set myself any targets at the start of the season.

"The main thing for me is to just keep fit really, be injury free and play as many games as I can."

Meanwhile, U's boss McGreal has praised the "attitude and application" of Tommy O'Sullivan.

Fresh from scoring a couple of goals for the under-23s last week, the former Cardiff City midfielder was named on the substitutes bench for Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Luton Town.

He did not come on, but McGreal said "he’s in our thoughts" with regards selection.

“We’re challenging Tom," said McGreal.

“He had a good pre-season.

"He sat on the bench for the first couple of games, then missed out against Stevenage.

“But he had a good 90 minutes for the under-23s last Monday and he’s said ‘I’m ready to play if needed’.

“That’s what we want to see – players taking their opportunity, albeit in an under-23 game.

“Tom’s shown a great attitude and application and he’s been training particularly well.

“He trains with us every day and he’s in our thoughts."