United manager Simon Grayson has issued a rallying call urging his leaders and characters to step forward ahead of Saturday's Elland Road clash with Colchester.

Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Swindon was United's third league loss of the season, but Grayson's side remain in second place in the league and the manager is challenging his players to return to the form that fired the club to the top of the league in October.

Play-Off chasing Colchester are the visitors on Saturday as United, unbeaten in the league on home soil for over 12 months, look to arrest a run that has produced just one point from a possible nine.

"The thing is we are second in the division," said the boss. 

"We are going through a bad period in the league, but it's important that we stick together.

"Every team in the country goes through a run of results that you don't need, but it's those that have leaders and grafters, and personalties, that bring the team through. And we have people like that in our dressing room.

"Hopefully now we've learnt our lessons and we'll go and do the right things that have got us where we are."

The boss admits he will consider his options ahead of the visit of Aidy Boothroyd's side at the weekend.

"I'm sure players will be looking over their shoulders to see what we we're going to do," he said. 

"Nobody would be surprised if we make changes, but I'll be rational because up until four games ago we've been doing a lot right this season.

"We have to make sure this is a blip and we don't have any more performances like Tuesday.

"We haven't had any spells like this so far this season and we have to get back on track, starting at the weekend."

Tickets are available for the Colchester United game...