Neil Harris says his Cambridge side have a “big challenge” ahead against Wanderers but wants his side to embrace it.

Harris’ side enter the game in high spirits following a comfortable 4-0 victory at Carlisle thanks to goals from Sullay Kaikai, Elias Kachunga and Liam Bennett, as well as Sam Lavelle’s unfortunate own goal.

The U’s also have tricky fixtures against Peterborough and Stevenage coming up before the end of the month, but Harris wants his players to approach the tough run with belief.

“(We have) a really tough week in front of us,” he said. “We have earned the right now to enjoy the next four games. On our day, we are as good as anybody in the league.

“We have to remember that and take that confidence. We don’t have to chase games now, we can be the best version of us.

“Tuesday night, we have got a big challenge against a really talented Bolton side. We will enjoy it.”

Saturday’s win at Carlisle leaves Cambridge 16th in the League One table heading into the business end of the campaign.

"We knew they would come out fast and we had to stand strong for 10 minutes, but we made sure that we forced turnover after turnover,” Harris explained.

"That is where you rely on your experience and moments of defensive quality to see that through but as soon as the first goal goes in, that was the game.

"We knew the first goal was going to be key and to get that, it knocked the stuffing out of the stadium and we grew in confidence after that.”

Prior to their victory at Brunton Park, the U’s had lost back-to-back league games against Cheltenham and Portsmouth.

“I am really proud of my players’ performance,” the manager continued. “The only disappointment for the attacking players was that they haven’t scored more goals between them.

“I thought the subs made a really good impact and we got some good minutes into lads by being so comfortably in front.

“Our shape was very impressive, we countered with real quality and pace and executed some moments really well.”

Wanderers drew 0-0 at the Abbey Stadium last season. Kyle Dempsey was sent off for a second bookable offence 15 minutes from time.

The points were also shared when the sides met at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in April 2023, with Sam Smith scoring a late equaliser after Declan John had put Bolton in front.