COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams has revealed that Matthew Connolly will return to his parent club Arsenal on Wednesday.The highly-rated Connolly has spent the first half of this season on loan at Layer Road, but has not featured since the 1-1 home draw against Norwich City on December 15.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Geraint Williams has revealed that Matthew Connolly will return to his parent club Arsenal on Wednesday.

The highly-rated Connolly has spent the first half of this season on loan at Layer Road, but has not featured since the 1-1 home draw against Norwich City on December 15.

“Arsenal have exercised their option to recall Matthew (Connolly) on January 2,” said Williams after Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Blackpool.

Connolly has not even been in the 16-man squad in the last three fixtures, so it seems likely that the 20-year-old has played his last game for the U's.

It seems certain that he will shortly be on his way to another club, because he is well down the pecking order at Arsenal.