Jeffrey Monakana has extended his stay at Colchester United into a second month.

Winger Monakana, recruited on loan from Preston in mid-September, has yet to finish on the winning side for the U’s.

But he has made five appearances for Joe Dunne’s men, four of them from the start, including a fine goal on his debut in a 2-2 draw at Bradford City.

Injuries to wingers Drey Wright (recent knee operation) and Sanchez Watt (long-term quad injury) have restricted Dunne’s options on the flank, even though Gavin Massey returned to the fold against Walsall last Saturday, following his hamstring injury.

Monakana was relegated to the bench for the visit of the Saddlers, but did appear as a 65th minute substitute for the recalled Massey during the 1-1 draw.

Manager Dunne explained: “I had a chat with Jeffrey last week.

“I feel he has got great potential, and he just needs to realise that potential.

“Jeffrey gives us a good option in those wide areas, and we may need to cover that position again with Drey (Wright) out for longer than expected,” added Dunne.

The Dubliner extended Luke Garbutt’s loan stay from Everton for another month, on the eve of the game against Walsall.

Talking in general about loan players, Dunne said: “You don’t take a loan player for his weaknesses, you take him for his strengths.

“In that time, we focus on the strengths. We always speak to the parent club about how’s he progressing.

“And if they’ve got flaws in their character, we are the club that finds out!”