COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams handed a first start to Adam Virgo, as well as recalling veteran Aidan Davison in goal, and he paid tribute to both after last night's 1-1 draw at Southampton.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams handed a first start to Adam Virgo, as well as recalling veteran Aidan Davison in goal, and he paid tribute to both after last night's 1-1 draw at Southampton.

“When I signed Adam (Virgo) on loan from Celtic, I knew that he was a versatile player, and he's also proved to be a fantastic character in the dressing room,” said Williams.

“He got us a goal up front as a striker (against Burnley), and now he's come in at centre-half and done a good job. I thought he was very dominant at the back tonight. In fact, it looked like Adam had been in the side all season!

“I also felt that the time was right for Aidan (Davison) to come back in. He hasn't played as many games as he would have hoped over the last few months, but he showed his experience. He's a good professional and he looked quite good tonight. He's a great character who does the best that he can.

“Southampton had a lot of possession in the first half, but I felt that we had the best chances and Kevin (Lisbie) could have scored.

Williams also dismissed reports that his assistant, Micky Adams, could be on his way to Gillingham as a successor to departed manager Ronnie Jepson.

"They are rumours, that's all they are. To be honest, Micky is not going to Gillingham.”