COLCHESTER United striker Jevani Brown will always be grateful to former club Cambridge United - but has vowed to put his emotions on the backburner when the sides meet tomorrow.

The 24-year-old was a fans' favourite at the Abbey Stadium but put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the JobServe Community Stadium in July.

He has started the U's first three matches and is now looking forward to a reunion with his friends from Cambridgeshire.

He admits it will be a unique occasion, having never faced a former club before, but says his professionalism will replace sentiment during the 90 minutes.

"Cambridge did a lot for me and my career and I'll always be thankful," said Brown, who played for non-league St Neots before getting his break at Cambridge.

"They gave me a platform to go and show what I can do.

"I hope to get a good reception from their fans.

"I haven't done anything wrong but football's football and you take the good with the bad.

"Whether I get a good reception or a bad one, it won't change my opinion of the club and what they did for me.

"It's the first time I've come up against a former team and I don't know what it's going to be like.

"But really and truly, as a professional, it's about staying focused and making sure we get the points. That's all that matters."

While his summer switch meant moving from one League Two club to another, Brown admits it was a "no-brainer" to join Colchester.

He believes he has a better chance of promotion and wants to do everything in his power to bring League One football back to the Community Stadium.

An added bonus would be a Carabao Cup run and Colchester are now looking forward to a second-round trip to Crystal Palace, as a reward for Tuesday's 3-0 victory against Swindon Town.

"Colchester are a club trying to get back up the league," he said.

"I want to be part of that journey and it was pretty much a no-brainer when I got the call saying they were interested.

"In life in general, there are lots of ups and downs and football's no different.

"So far, our performances haven't been matched by results, which is why it was a boost to have a comfortable victory in the cup.

"It's given us momentum to push on and start putting points on the board.

"The Palace draw is an amazing one.

"We would have preferred it to be at home but it's still a great platform to perform on.

"We're really looking forward to it but there are important league games first that we need to concentrate on.

"Our focus will always be the next match we have to play."

Brown has been effective in the number ten role so far, already contributing assists.

Next on his list of objectives is his maiden goal in a Colchester shirt.

"I'm playing in the role where I feel most comfortable," he said.

"That's where I'm happiest and hopefully it continues.

"The gaffer changed things during the first half against Swindon.

"Instead of playing through the middle, he said I could drift and go all over, which helped a lot. I started seeing more of the ball.

"There's real versatility in the squad and a lot of players can do a good job in different positions.

"It's always good to help the team and have assists but my main aim is to get among the goals myself.

"I know I need to contribute both and it's about getting the balance right."