Embarrassment of riches

WHILE Colchester United’s attacking options remain limited, manager John Ward has an embarrassment of riches in midfield ahead of this Saturday’s home game against MK Dons.

Lloyd James starred with two quality goals in last weekend’s FA Cup success at Crewe, but the ex-Southampton 23-year-old is not guaranteed to retain his place.

James was only given the nod to start at Gresty Road, when fellow midfielder Anthony Wordsworth called off to attend the birth of his first child back in Essex.

But Wordsworth will be available for selection this Saturday, and the U’s leading scorer will surely go straight back into the team.

It will be difficult for Ward to drop James, after his two long-range strikes against Crewe, so the U’s boss has a big selection dilemma.

Andy Bond, who played alongside James in the heart of midfield on Saturday, also scored in the 4-1 win, so he too would be unlucky to lose his place.

Added to this, Kem Izzet is also pushing for a return to the starting line-up, while a fifth central midfielder, John-Joe O’Toole, is looking to return after a niggling groin injury.

So what will Ward do?

There is a chance that he will select all three - James, Bond and Wordsworth - in return to a 4-3-3 formation.

Alternatively, he could accommodate Wordsworth on the left flank in a 4-4-2 system.

It is a headache, but a pleasant one