COLCHESTER United defender Phil Ifil looks set to be farmed out on loan to gain some regular first team football, writes Carl Marston.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United defender Phil Ifil looks set to be farmed out on loan to gain some regular first team football, writes Carl Marston.

Ex-Tottenham trainee Ifil has struggled to hold down a place in the U's side in recent months. In fact, he has only started two league games since the middle of September.

“Phil (Ifil) needs to get some games under his belt, and I've spoken to him about that,” revealed U's boss Paul Lambert.

“We have to get him some games from somewhere. We haven't got that many reserve games coming up, and Phil knows the situation.

“He was outstanding at Peterborough (as a substitute) but then got injured against Yeovil, after which the team started to win some games.

“He needs first team action, so that might mean a loan move,” added Lambert.

Ifil made three appearances in the Premier League for Tottenham, before switching to the U's for an undisclosed six-figure fee at the start of this year.

The 22-year-old was ever present for the remainder of last season, but has started just five league games this term.

He is currently behind the likes of Alan Maybury, John White and Pat Baldwin in the pecking order for the right-back berth.

The transfer window reopens at the start of next month, at which point Ifil might be on his way to another club on loan.

Lambert wants to bring in a few new faces after the turn of the year, so there promises to be some transfer activity at the Community Stadium.