City news: Howard wants to help open a gap
After being laid low by a virus that has been picking its way through the camp, the 32-year-old reported himself to being "over the worst of it" following Saturday's 1-0 home win over Hartlepool that took City up to fifth place in the table, two points behind leaders Oldham Athletic.
"I've been struggling the last couple of weeks with a virus but I think I'm over the worst of it now," said Howard.
"I think I caught it off the wife and it knocked me for six, but I'm all right now.
"I played a half last Tuesday (against Lincoln in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and shouldn't have really played that game, but I'll be raring to go against Colchester."
It is not just the prospect of climbing to the top of the table that is exciting Howard.
"If we win, we'll go top and we'll open up a nice little gap on seventh place as well," he said.
"This is what we're all looking at so, hopefully, we can keep winning."
Howard accepted that City could have scored more goals against Hartlepool.
"The wingers got a lot of joy, especially Lloyd Dyer on the left," he said.
"That was the game-plan really – just to get the ball out to them and let them do their stuff, which they did – and, on another day, we could have scored more goals."
He added: "We got the early goal and then tried to create more, but it didn't really work out. But we're happy with a 1-0 win.
"As long as you win games, no matter how you win them, you're going to climb the league and get to the top – that's what it's all about."
City have dropped only five of a possible 21 points so far this season, drawing at Stockport and losing at home to Millwall – "That was probably the kick up the backside we needed," said Howard.
In contrast, Colchester, who like City were relegated from the Championship last season, have taken only eight points from seven games.
And they have yet to win a league match at their new Weston Homes Community Stadium ground.
That follows the move from Layer Road, which had been their home since 1937.
Howard's recovery from illness could be a major plus because City manager Nigel Pearson may be a little short on attacking options.
Strikers DJ Campbell (stomach bug) and Paul Dickov (back strain), plus winger Max Gradel (ankle injury), were all ruled out against Hartlepool, with Pearson saying: "I would like to think they would be OK, but I can't give an update."
Colchester are expected to include former City defender Matt Heath in their starting line-up.
Heath made 50 appearances for his home-town club between August 2001 and May 2005 before joining Coventry City.
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