Anthony Wordsworth has been linked with a shock return to Colchester United on loan.

The skilful midfielder, who left the U’s to join East Anglian neighbours Ipswich Town in January, has been told he needs game time by boss Mick McCarthy.

Wordsworth, 24, has struggled to make Town’s starting line-up this season and has been restricted to just two substitute appearances in the Championship.

And the Daily Gazette understands that Colchester would be interested in bringing him back to the Weston Homes Community Stadium on a temporary basis.

Joe Dunne has declined to comment on speculation that Wordsworth could be a transfer target.

But the U’s boss made Wordsworth his captain last season and is a huge fan of the player, having coached the former Colchester academy product at all levels.

And Dunne was at Portman Road for Ipswich’s under-21 fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion last night, where Wordsworth played in Town's 3-1 defeat.

For the full story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.