CARLISLE United winger Simon Hackney looks set to sign for Colchester United.

Carl Marston

CARLISLE United winger Simon Hackney looks set to sign for Colchester United.

The U's are believed to have had a second bid for Hackney accepted by the Cumbrians, and manager Paul Lambert confirmed that he was interested in signing the 24-year-old following the 0-0 draw at Bristol Rovers.

“We have been in for Simon Hackney, but we'll have to wait and see what happens,” admitted Lambert.

“There's no point in talking any further until the lad actually walks through the door. We'll see how things go over the next few days.

“I personally don't like the January transfer window. I think it's horrendous. You could easily fill up your football club with players that you don't really need.

“But at least I'm chasing players. We have been in for at least six players this month, trying to get them in,” added Lambert.

Stockport-born left-footer Hackney has played more than 100 games for Carlisle, since signing from non-league Woodley Sports four years ago. United had an initial five-figure bid for him turned down earlier this month, and this latest offer is believed to be in six figures (at least �100,000).

Meanwhile, Lambert was content with the U's battling point at Rovers, although that was tempered by another injury to club record signing Steven Gillespie, who hobbled off the pitch without touching the ball!

The Scotsman revealed: “Steven Gillespie only lasted about two minutes, which is so disappointing. First he's had problems with his hamstring, and now it's his calf. We'll have to see how bad his calf is.

“I'm happy with the point. You can't play attractive football every week, or win every game. It's a very tight pitch here (Memorial Stadium) and the crowd are really on top of you.

“I'm delighted with the way the players battled. We have made massive leaps and strides over the last two months or so. We've come a long way.

“And all credit to our back four. Jimmy Walker didn't really have a save to make, and Dean Hammond only travelled on the day of the game because his girlfriend has just given birth to a baby girl.

“I've been told that Scott Vernon's “goal” (44th minute) was not actually offside, so I'm disappointed with that decision. But it's still a good point,” added Lambert.