Injured trio Scott Fitzgerald, Joe Dunne and David Gregory could be facing a long wait to to force their way back into a winning Colchester United team.

U's boss Steve Whitton said yesterday (Thursday): "If the team carries on playing well and getting the right results these lads will find it difficult to force their way in.

"And it's up to the players currently wearing the shirts to make sure they hang on to them.

"They've got to carry on making life as difficult as they can for each other. Find out more about Colchester United FC "Greggors hasn't played for at least three games and in Fitz and Joe's cases their absence has been even longer.

"All three of them are nearing full fitness, but ideally they all need to play one or two reserve games.

"The truth of the matter is they could be forced to wait a long time to regain their first team places.

"But they are the sort of players I want back in my first team squad and their first aim is to get as far as the subs bench."

Popular fullback Dunne, who has been struggling since August to shrug off the effects of a knee injury, is well aware of the fight he faces to force his way back into first team reckoning.

He said: "It's been so frustrating on the sidelines, but while the lads are playing so well I know I must work hard just to get as far as the bench."

The same goes for central defender Fitzgerald who said: "I'm aware of the situation, but I'm back in full training and ready whenever the gaffer wants to call on me."

Utility man Gregory is also nearing full fitness and could be available for selection in the next week.

He said: "I'm hoping to return to full training on Monday, but our situation gives the manager a nice problem. He has to pick his best team."

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