LJ’s praise as Ibehre loan with Latics ends

PARTING SHOT: Jabo Ibehre celebrates his goal against Doncaster, the final game of his Athletic loan.

Striker Jabo Ibehre has returned to Colchester following the expiry of his Odham Athletic loan.

Ibehre (31) scored twice in a dozen appearances for Athletic - including one in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Doncaster.

For Johnson, the 31-year-old striker’s game was about more than goals: “He was excellent against Doncaster,” Johnson added. “He has set up goals and brought people into play. I told him before the game to trust himself, there is nothing to worry about — just pass the ball into the net. That’s what he did (against Doncaster) and it was a fantastic goal.”

Athletic now have two matches against sides in relatively close proximity - both geographically and in the league table.

The sequence starts with a first league visit to Fleetwood on Saturday - accompanied by 1,277

supporters - followed by a home clash with Rochdale on January 20.

“The Rochdale game is going to be massive. Both games are tough, of course,” Johnson added.

“We have fans travelling to Fleetwood to support the guys and push them on. That is great.

“Then there is the big derby at home and we need to continue to press and to push to get these wins.

“In this division, every win is worth three-and-a-half to four points, as there are so many draws.”