COLCHESTER United boss Aidy Boothroyd is hoping to extend Christian Ribeiro's loan deal.The Welsh U21 international right-back has managed to play just twice for the U's during the duration of his one-month loan spell from Championship club Bristol City.

Stuart Watson

COLCHESTER United boss Aidy Boothroyd is hoping to extend Christian Ribeiro's loan deal.

The Welsh U21 international right-back has managed to play just twice for the U's during the duration of his one-month loan spell from Championship club Bristol City.

The 20-year-old impressed on his debut at Gillingham at the end of January, but limped off with a groin strain in the following match against MK Dons and hasn't played again since then.

Ribeiro - who has also played on loan at League One club Stockport this season - saw his temporary switch to Essex expire this week, but Boothroyd has seen enough of the attack-minded defender to bring him back.

“I'm hoping to take Christian back on loan again,” said Boothroyd.

“He's still not fit enough so we'll have to monitor that, but he's a great character.

“John White is Mr Reliable and you always know what you're going to get with him every week, but at this stage of the season it would be nice to have someone in there to offer that little bit more competition.”