Hewitt set to keep place
New loan signing Elliott Hewitt is set to keep his place in Colchester's starting line-up for Saturday's League One visit of Fleetwood after impressing in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old defender was named man of the match in that penalty shoot-out loss to Gillingham just 24 hours after joining from Ipswich on a one-month deal.
"Elliott played ever so well," manager Tony Humes told the East Anglian Daily Times. "I'm delighted with the way he has already fitted into the squad. It's good for him to get first-team, senior football and everybody could see why we brought him in."
David Fox is also now clear to play after recently returning to the club, Magnus Okuonghae has completed a four-match ban and Sammie Szmodics made a late appearance in midweek after recovering from an ankle knock.
Fleetwood have left-back Stephen Crainey available again, yet lose right-back Conor McLaughlin to international duty.
Former Blackpool defender Crainey returns after serving a one-match ban in last weekend's 1-0 win over Port Vale while McLaughlin has joined up with the Northern Ireland squad once again.
His right-back berth could be filled by a number of players, although Stewart Murdoch appears to be the favourite to play in that role after he did so in the development squad's midweek win over Tranmere.
Midfielders Keith Southern (hernia) and Jeff Hughes (broken leg) appeared in that game and are inching ever closer to comebacks, but Jamille Matt (leg) is out for the year.
Source: PA
