Joe Dunne refused to be drawn on the possibility of Darren Ambrose staying for a longer spell following his surprise appearance for Colchester United against former club Ipswich Town last night.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder, who played his football in Greece last season, was drafted in for the U’s pre-season friendly at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, which Ipswich won 3-0.

U’s boss Dunne said he brought Ambrose in after picking up injuries but would not be drawn on the chances of the former England under-21 player being involved for Colchester in the future.

Dunne said: “It puts him in a position where people can see him and I thought he did really well, considering he’s hardly trained.”

For more on this story and a match report, pictures and more reaction to the U's game with Ipswich Town, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.