COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert remains hopeful that at least five of his players will leave before the start of the season.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert remains hopeful that at least five of his players will leave before the start of the season.

The Scotsman again made five glaring omissions from his squad for last night's pre-season friendly at Heybridge - Johnnie Jackson, John White, Phil Ifil, Medy Elito and Matt Lockwood were neither involved nor even in attendance at Scraley Road.

The current number of senior players stands at 27, which is far too big, especially as Lambert has not ruled out the possibility of bringing in a couple more before the opening day clash at Norwich on August 8.

“I have not spoken to Johnnie (Jackson) since he made his request for a transfer, but he still wants to leave,” confirmed Lambert after the U's 1-0 win.

“Phil Ifil needs to carry on his career elsewhere, as does John White and Matt Lockwood. They need to get their careers up and running again.

“But we had several youngsters who came on tonight, like Tom Bender, Jordan Pavett and Sam Corcoran, and I decided to have a look at Gary Holt (triallist), because he has been training with us this summer,” added Lambert.

Scotsman Holt played the last quarter of the game in central defence, although he has played most of his career in central midfield for the likes of Norwich, Nottingham Forest and Wycombe.

The U's boss was also full praise for goalscorer Scott Vernon.

He said: “It was a terrific strike from Scott. He is really on fire at the moment. A few of the lads got 90 minutes under their belt this evening, but it's hard because the games are coming fast on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“Ipswich will now be a good test for us.”