Colchester United boss, Tony Humes, admitted that Sammie Szmodics was close to a starting place, following his second-half performance during yesterday’s 2-1 home defeat to Gillingham.

Szmodics was introduced as a substitute for the start of the second period, and quickly reduced the arrears with a 51st minute close-range finish from Sean Clohessy’s low cross.

It was Szmodics’ first league goal of his career, although he did score late on in the 6-3 win at Gosport Borough in the FA Cup earlier in the season.

Humes said: “Sammie has been very close for the last two weeks.

“He’s been in and around the squad all season.

“He’s worked his socks off, and he had a great game for the under-21s last Monday against Ipswich.

“Sammie is very much in our thoughts, going forward, and I thought he was terrific when he came on today.

“He got into areas where it hurts, to get us back into the game,” added Humes.

The U’s return to league action with an away game at fellow bottom four club Crawley Town tomorrow (Sunday).