George Moncur was a glaring absentee from Colchester United’s 18-man squad, for tonight’s goalless draw against Oldham Athletic.

Ex-West Ham midfielder Moncur has been a big player for the U’s, since his switch from Upton Park, bagging nine goals last season to help the Essex club avoid relegation.

He has had a quieter start to this campaign, but it was still a surprise for Moncur to not be named in the team, or even in the squad, tonight.

“George (Moncur) was not available,” revealed Humes.

“That’s all that needs to be said. He is not injured. We just have to respect the position that George is in, at this moment in time.

“That’s all I can say, at this moment in time. That’s the position.”

With regards whether Moncur would return, for this Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood Town, Humes said: “I hope he will be back, yes.

“George is part of this football club, and we will have to see on that, and just respect what is going on at the minute, and go that way.”

Asked about the possibility of Moncur being the subject of transfer speculation, Humes added: “I have no comment on that.”