EXCITING winger Michail Antonio has extended his loan stay at Colchester United for a third and final month.

EXCITING winger Michail Antonio has extended his loan stay at Colchester United for a third and final month.

Antonio has impressed since his arrival from Reading in mid-August, following an injury to U’s winger Ashley Vincent.

His pace and power have given opposing defences a few problems, and he has also contributed two goals, including a close-range header in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Yeovil.

“We have got Michail for another month,” confirmed manager John Ward at this morning’s press conference.

“I spoke to Brian (McDermott, Reading manager) in the week and he trained there on Monday and he spoke to them.

“It’s good for us and it’s good for them, and it’s good for the player, so everyone kind of wins with this one.

“We might just miss out at the end of the three months when he has to go back, but that was the idea in the first place.

“It was only going to be for four weeks, but we have managed to extend it again.

“I’m pleased with that because he has done very well for us,” added Ward.

Antonio is set to start against Rochdale at Spotland on Saturday, although defender Pat Baldwin is a doubt with a foot injury.