Ross and Gavin Johnson have been drafted into Colchester United's squad for tonight's pre-season friendly at Canvey Island.

The pair were sidelined when the U's started their build-up with a 4-0 triumph at Cornard United on Saturday.

But Andy Arnott, who started at Blackhouse Lane, is set to miss tonight's match with a thigh strain.

Manager Steve Whitton believes tonight's showdown at Park Lane will provide a stronger test of his troops' resolve.

He said: "We're expecting a bit more of a challenge than at Cornard and we'll be up against a few familiar faces, so it will be interesting.

"The match on Saturday has whetted the lads' appetite. They worked very hard in training yesterday and everyone's looking forward to tonight.

"These games give me a great opportunity to look at some of the younger players and all the lads who are fit will feature at some stage."

Much interest will feature on Dutch trialist Bekri Bajraktaraj - the midfielder who capped his debut at Cornard with a 30-yard goal - who is set to start against the Gulls.

The U's will see a slimmer version of striker Neil Gregory, their record signing who joined Canvey last season. He has shed 11 pounds during the close season. He will join new signings Mick Bodley and Steve Clark.

The match kicks off at 7.30pm.

Lyn Atkins has joined the U's as commercial manager.

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