Aaron Collins has had his loan spell at Colchester United, from Wolves, terminated by mutual consent.

Attacker Collins had initially arrived at the U’s on a season-long loan, but has this week returned to his parent club early after failing to break into the League Two club’s starting line-up.

In fact Collins only started one league match throughout his five months with the U’s, and that was on the opening day of the season in a 0-0 draw at Notts County.

Ironically, the Magpies are the U’s next opponents, when they visit the Jobserve Community Stadium this weekend.

Manager John McGreal has revealed that funds will now be available to bring in a replacement, although he has stated in the past, including after the disappointing New Year’s Day defeat at Crawley (2-0 against 10 men), that he is happy with his squad.

“Aaron was on the peripheral a little bit,” said McGreal, following today’s training session at Florence Park, Tiptree.

“Aaron going back frees up a bit of money.”

In addition to his one solitary league start, 21-year-old Collins made six league outings as a substitute and a further four starts in cup competitions.

He has been behind the likes of Courtney Senior, Frank Nouble, Brennan Dickenson and Sammie Szmodics in the pecking order, in terms of wide attacking players.