Brandan Hanlan has returned to his parent club, Charlton Athletic, following his loan stint at Colchester United.

Front-runner Hanlan’s loan deal with the U’s expired after last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers, during which the 20-year-old made his 20th and last appearance for the club as an 82nd minute substitute.

“Brandon (Hanlan) has gone back,” confirmed U’s boss John McGreal following this lunchtime’s press conference at Florence Park, Tiptree.

“Brandon was an important player for us, when we managed to turn our season around. He played a big part in that, but he needs to be playing regularly.

“Do we need a replacement? Possibly. But we are having a look at Junior (Ogedi-Uzokwe), and we have Kurtis (Guthrie) back. Mikael (Mandron) is playing well, and Courtney (Senior) came on and did well last week, so we have other options.

“It’s not too much of a concern for us, but we are still out there looking.”