Colchester United defender Joe Dunne could be back in action as early as next week after suffering a horrific injury during the U's three-goal victory at Luton.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international had 40 stitches inserted in a facial injury after being stretchered off in the 31st minute following a clash with Hatters midfielder Matthew Taylor.

Dunne suffered a five- inch vertical gash stretching from his sideburn to well below his right ear while making a tackle and was taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital for treatment.

He was released nearly three-and-a-half hours later and allowed to return home at around 6.50pm on the team coach with his U's colleagues who waited for him.

U's boss Steve Whitton said today: "Joe's feeling very sore.

"He's hoping to see a specialist as quickly as he can to make sure there is no further serious damage.

"He's a very tough lad and if everything is OK he could be back in the reckoning for our away trip to Rotherham on Saturday week."

Whitton added: "Joe's injury brought us all down to earth somewhat.

"I couldn't force myself to go and look at it as he laid on the ground.

"Watching his team-mates' reactions was enough for me to realise the injury was a bad one."

Whitton, meanwhile, was delighted with the 3-0 win which has propelled the U's back into the top half of the table.

He said: "The win wasn't as convincing as the scoreline suggests - in fact it flattered us.

"But we took our chances very well and played like trojans to keep Luton at bay."

U's reserve goalkeeper Andy Walker has gone on loan to Harrow Borough for a month and was injured inside the first ten minutes of their 5-4 Ryman League home defeat to Hampton and Richmond.

Joe Dunne - quick return?

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