COLCHESTER manager Joe Dunne has backed Paolo Di Canio to be involved in football management “for a long time” regardless whether or not he stays with Swindon Town.

The U’s boss was impressed by the Italian following the pair’s first meeting at the County Ground earlier this season, when Michael Rose’s free-kick earned the Essex side all three points. And, following the speculation regarding Di Canio’s future of late, Dunne has added his voice to the debate.

“I was privileged enough to spend a bit of time with Paolo when we played them earlier in the season,” he said. “He was very good to us and he spoke very well about us.

“I hope Paolo sticks with it but whatever happens at their club is down to them. He’s certainly someone who will be around managing for a long time, that’s for sure.”

Dunne expects a tough test when the Robins visit the Weston Homes Community Stadium tonight, with Di Canio’s men unbeaten in more than two months.

But after consecutive victories, the hosts’ manager is backing his team to have enough about them to grind out a positive result.

“It’s a very difficult game for us and we’re fighting for survival,” he said.

“Swindon are near the top of the table but confidence is high and we have to take every game as it comes now.

“Great credit to the players, coming off nine defeats and getting back to back wins now. How quickly football changes but we have to keep on working hard. We can’t just rest now otherwise it’ll all fall around us.

“This game can change in a flash and we’ve experienced that.”