Gillespie’s left wrist is ‘shattered’

COLCHESTER United striker Steven Gillespie will undergo an operation to repair his ‘shattered’ left arm on Thursday.

The Liverpudlian striker landed awkwardly on his arm when attempting to block a defensive clearance during the first half of Colchester’s 1-1 draw at Brentford on Friday.

“The club doctor seems to think it’s going to need a fair few screws, bolts and plates in it,” said the 25-year-old, who will see a specialist at Ipswich Hospital today before going under the knife on Thursday.

“The fracture in my arm is pretty clean, but I’ve also shattered my wrist which I’m told is in a few pieces. They won’t know quite how bad it is until they open it up and see.”

U’s boss John Ward joked after yesterday’s 1-1 home draw with Brighton that at least Gillespie had broken his non-writing hand so that he could sign the new contract which has been put on the table.

“He said something similar to me not long after it happened!” said Gillespie.

“I got offered the contract maybe 10 days ago, but my baby and wife weren’t well and the manager gave me a few days off.

“I literally trained on Thursday and then travelled to play on Friday so I haven’t really been around the club.

“I was due to meet my agent at some point between the two games this weekend but that obviously hasn’t happened.

“We’re a little bit further behind than I would have liked but hopefully things will move a bit quicker next week.”