COLCHESTER United's latest signing, Simon Hackney, won't be eligible to play at his old club Carlisle tomorrow.

Carl Marston

Colchester soccer, secondary story

COLCHESTER United's latest signing, Simon Hackney, won't be eligible to play at his old club Carlisle tomorrow.

Flying winger Hackney made his U's debut as a 61st minute substitute against Northampton on Tuesday night, following his move from Brunton Park for an undisclosed six-figure fee on Monday.

But the 24-year-old left-footer is not allowed to feature against the Cumbrians, due to a clause in the contract agreed by both clubs.

U's manager Paul Lambert confirmed: “Simon (Hackney) is finding his feet with us, but he'll have to work his way into the team, because we are going very well at the moment.

“He's a very direct player, and he really stood out when I watched Carlisle play Crewe earlier in the season. He's done very well for them.

“Simon won't be able to play this weekend. That's the agreement we had with Carlisle, and we just have to go with that.

“He will no doubt tell us a few things about Carlisle, although we know enough about them already.

“They have changed their manager (now Gary Abbott) and several of their personnel since we played them at home (5-0 win), and it will be really hard for us.

“But we're playing well enough to go there and win, even though it will take us about four days and a camel to get up there!” joked Lambert.