COLCHESTER United manager Paul Lambert will be employing the “bubble wrap” treatment to nurse striker Steve Gillespie back to full fitness.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United manager Paul Lambert will be employing the “bubble wrap” treatment to nurse striker Steve Gillespie back to full fitness.

Club record signing Gillespie has only started four league games since his £400,000 move from Cheltenham Town over the summer, and he has not kicked a ball in anger for more than a month due to a troublesome hamstring injury.

Gillespie is unlikely to return to action before Christmas, but Lambert can see light at the end of the tunnel.

“Steve (Gillespie) has started a little training this week, and he will join us in today's session,” revealed Lambert.

“But he won't really be ready for first team action yet. Ideally, he needs a couple of games for the reserves first.

“Perhaps we'll wrap him up in bubble wrap for the next four years or so!” joked Lambert.

Gillespie has been dogged by injuries ever since his move from Whaddon Road. His pre-season was disrupted by injury and he has also had to serve a three-match suspension for a red card at Crewe.

His last comeback game against Carlisle only lasted for 16 minutes. He hobbled off with a tweaked hamstring, although by that stage the U's were already 2-0 up and on their way to a 5-0 victory.