TOM Lapslie insists everyone in the Colchester United squad knows how important it is for them to retain their Football League status.

The U’s are battling to stay in League Two and sit four points above the relegation zone, with five games of the season remaining.

Colchester host Walsall tomorrow, aiming to pull away from danger ahead of their vital Essex derby with fellow strugglers Southend United next week.

And Lapslie, who has been with the U’s since he was 16 years old, says helping the club stay in the league is the main priority for both him and his team-mates.

Lapslie said: “It’s a massive thing for the club and the fans.

“We want to stay in the Football League and it’s a huge thing for us.

“That is obviously our main focus now – every single day, working hard to make sure that that’s a reality for next season.

“Everyone in our changing room knows how big this is for us, over the next five games.

“We’ll be giving it our all every single week and you’ll see 11 players working hard and giving their all, this weekend.”

Colchester will be looking to boost their survival chances by claiming maximum points from their next two home games, against Walsall and Southend.

“If we can get our job done earlier, it takes a bit of pressure off the last few,” said Lapslie, who has started two of the U’s last three matches after returning from a groin injury.

“But we take every game as it comes and we will never go into any game thinking we can’t pick points up from it.

“Anyone can beat anyone on their day in this league.

“For me, the next game is always the most important one, whether it’s Walsall, Southend, Cheltenham, Salford or Tranmere.

“That next game is the most important one and at the moment, that is Walsall.

“I think there is still a bit of an advantage playing at home.

“They’ve still got to travel down and your surroundings are familiar.

“Obviously it would be better if the fans were there and we’re obviously missing them like everyone is.

“We hope to see them back in stadiums soon safely but I still think there can be home advantage and we’re looking forward to the next two home games.”

Lapslie will clock up a personal milestone tomorrow if he features against Walsall.

The 25-year-old is set to make his 150th league appearance for the U’s, having made his senior debut for them back in January, 2015.

He said: “It’s a personal mark but I’ll reflect on that, come the end of the season.

“I’ll let that go for this weekend and I’ll think about it in three or four weeks’ time.

“I’ve been trying to keep myself fit and get ready for the weekend.

“I’m feeling good and ready to go on Saturday.”