PAT Baldwin could miss Colchester United’s trip to Rochdale this Saturday, due to a painful big toe.

PAT Baldwin could miss Colchester United’s trip to Rochdale this Saturday, due to a painful big toe.

Baldwin has impressed in the heart of defence, since he regained his place at the expense of Matt Heath last month.

But the ex-Chelsea trainee did not even try to put on his boots this week, until this morning’s training session, due to an injury picked up during the first half of last weekend’s 2-2 home draw against Yeovil.

Manager John Ward said: “Pat Baldwin has missed training all week.

“He got stamped on, on Saturday, on the big toe, and that has been pretty painful for him.

“He had treatment at half-time (against Yeovil) and he completed the game, but it has become very sore this week and he has not tried to put his boots on until today.

“So there is obviously some uncertainty about that at the moment,” added Ward.

If Baldwin finds it too painful to play with his damaged toe, then Heath would be the favourite to return to the side at Spotland.