WILL he stay, or will he go?

The long-term future of Anthony Wordsworth remains up in the air, but if he does stay at Colchester United beyond this month, then manager Joe Dunne hopes the 24-year-old has the right “mind-set” to flourish.

Midfielder Wordsworth has been strongly linked with both Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic, during the January transfer window, but for the moment he remains a U’s player.

If he does stay at Colchester, then his presence could be a big boost for the club’s chances of avoiding relegation into League Two. But with his current contract expiring this summer, Dunne has warned that the player must still be focused on the job in hand.

“Having Anthony around, will benefit the squad, because he is a good player,” explained Dunne yesterday.

“But we need to get the best out of him, and that comes from us and from his own mind-set.

“Anthony knows that he goes for a free at the end of the season, if it doesn’t happen in January. So how does he apply himself between now and the end of the season?

“That is down to Anthony, and I just feel that he needs to be careful. I’m a big fan of Anthony, but it’s a critical time in his career.

“You have ability, and you feel you should move. All I would say is – there’s not many clubs been in for him.

“The only way you are going to get a move, is to be successful on the pitch and be the best player.

“You are not going to sign a player who doesn’t play every week,” added Dunne.

Wordsworth is suspended for the U’s home match against Walsall tomorrow.