Colchester United have freed up some more money, for potential new recruits, by off-loading first-team squad members Lewis Kinsella and Tommy O’Sullivan on loan deals.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tommy O'Sullivan, who has signed on loan for Torquay United. Picture: STEVE WALLERTommy O'Sullivan, who has signed on loan for Torquay United. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Left-back Kinsella, only a bit-part player this season, has signed on loan to Aldershot, while midfielder O’Sullivan, unable to break into the first-team squad with the U’s, has also dropped down to the National League South to join struggling Torquay on loan.

This duo therefore follow in the footsteps of midfielder Craig Slater, who returned to Scotland on a loan deal until the end of the season at Dundee United on Wednesday.

“We are trying to keep our finger on the pulse, and make some contacts,” explained U’s boss John McGreal, with regards possible new players arriving during the January transfer window.

“That’s our priority now, to identify players. Both Tommy (O’Sullivan) and Lewis (Kinsella) were only on the periphery. They weren’t really getting any chances.”