Colchester United boss, John McGreal, confirmed that Glen Kamara had returned to Arsenal, following the end of his loan deal, although he was in talks about the possibility of signing Tommy O’Sullivan.

Central midfielder Kamara only made four league appearances for the U’s, with just one league start – a 3-0 home defeat to Leyton Orient – since his loan move from the Gunners at the end of August.

The U’s have had a lot of injuries in central midfield, with Doug Loft, Owen Garvan and Tom Lapslie all enduring spells on the sidelines, but 21-year-old Kamara was unable to hold down a regular place in the side.

“Glen (Kamara) has gone back to Arsenal, so that he can try and fix himself up with another club,” said McGreal.

“It’s been a tough ask for him. He has been one of the best trainers, but he has struggled to replicate that on a match-day. He would play well in one game, and then be indifferent at times.

“He found it tough, because he was often playing alongside players who were not natural midfielders, like Kurtis Guthrie.”

With reference to the possibility of recruiting new players during the January transfer window, McGreal continued: “We have one or two irons in the fire, and we do hope to get someone in, most probably loans rather than permanent ones, although there are a couple of unattached players around.”

Triallist midfielder O’Sullivan, on the books of Cardiff City, impressed for the U’s Under-23s during a first-half cameo role in the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town earlier this week.

McGreal said: “We are keeping an eye on Tommy O’Sullivan. He played 45 minutes the other day, and he has wanted to be involved with the first-team training.

“I shall be speaking to his representatives,” added McGreal.

O’Sullivan’s current contract expires at Cardiff this summer. He has had loan spells at Port Vale and Newport County.