GOALS scored is the one statistic that’s keeping Tranmere Rovers out of the League One relegation zone.

As they prepare to travel to Colchester on Saturday, Rovers are one of four teams on 40 points hovering in or around the drop zone.

With seven games left to play, the key word now at Prenton Park is “belief”.

A frustrating goalless draw against Carlisle Utd on Saturday left the squad disappointed but determined.

Striker Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, recalled from his loan at Bury, said: "John McMahon called me and said to me to come to play, I said I was happy to come to play.

"I'm disappointed about the draw, we had a lot of chances but a point is a positive thing and we didn't concede.

"We need to believe more.

"Last year when we were at the top, you'd hit the post and it would go in because you believed.

"We need to show we are strong. I saw some good positive things with Cass and Lowey, now we just need to work, work, work and believe.

"I didn't see any negativity, I saw a squad that is together.

“On the pitch we defended together and attacked together.

"I've been away - but Tranmere is my club and I want it to stay up."

McMahon said Jason Koumas and Stephen Arthurworrey could both return from injury for the  clash with Colchester.

Koumas, who missed the Swindon and Carlisle matches with a toe injury, has scored in each of his last two appearances.

Arthurworrey picked up a back problem in the away game at Port Vale and was also unavailable for the two home games last week.

McMahon said: “Both of them should be available for the weekend.

"They're responding well to treatment so hopefully, fingers crossed, we'll have them available.”