COLCHESTER United winger Medy Elito is set to join fellow League One and Essex club Dagenham & Redbridge on loan until January.

The 20-year-old – who spent the back end of last season on loan at League Two side Cheltenham – will complete the move once all the necessary paperwork is completed following a verbal agreement between managers John Ward and John Still.

The former England Under-19 international has made just one appearance for the U’s so far this season, a late substitute appearance in the Carling Cup second round defeat at Sunderland in August.

Since bursting on the scene as a teenager in Colchester’s second season in the Championship, Elito has failed to cement status as a first team regular and has made just 12 league starts over the last three seasons.

“He’s been on the fringes a little bit so we felt it was right that he goes and gets some football,” said Ward.

“John Still has said he’ll play there so it seems like a good move.

“He did well at Cheltenham last season, but it will be good for him to go to a team in our league as it will test him that little bit more.

“I know they’ll look after Medy and give him the right treatment. Hopefully he will come back to be a real pusher for the first team.”

Meanwhile, striker Steven Gillespie (thigh) and left-winger Simon Hackney (back) and nearing their returns from injury and could be involved in a behind-closed-doors reserve team game at Watford early next week. Should they come through that match unscathed then both will be made available for loan moves away from the club.

“They both need to go and get some football,” confirmed Ward.