FREDDIE Sears is back in the fold, and ready to make his first Colchester United appearance of the season at Preston tomorrow.

Summer signing Sears missed the U’s opener, a 3-0 defeat at Yeovil in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup clash, due to a family bereavement.

But the ex-West Ham attacker returned to training yesterday, at the U’s new Florence Park training complex, and joined the squad bound for Lancashire this morning.

There is no doubt that the Essex club suffered from his absence at Yeovil – the U’s failed to get out of first gear at Huish Park, crying out for a moment of inspiration from the talented Sears.

At least his return to the squad will bolster manager John Ward’s attacking options, which remain limited, even with Sears’ inclusion.

Ward revealed last night: “Freddie has had a family bereavement, but he has been back training with us and will be on the bus.

“We gave him the choice about what he wanted to do, and it was his choice to return to training. Hopefully, it will prove good for him, and good for us.

“We were always going to respect his choice, and we’re pleased he will be available for the weekend,” added Ward.

Sears impressed in pre-season, scoring six goals and generally catching the eye against the likes of his former club West Ham and Championship outfit Derby.

Recruited on a three-year deal this summer, following a decade with West Ham and also a loan stint with the U’s at the back end of last season, Sears looks set to operate in a wide position at Preston, with Ian Henderson also flanking front-man Clinton Morrison.