Sam Walker is battling to be fit for Colchester United's pivotal clash with Scunthorpe United this weekend.

The U’s goalkeeper missed their 6-0 thrashing at Chesterfield after suffering a knee injury in their defeat at Coventry City, last weekend.

Chris Lewington was between the sticks for Colchester at the Proact Stadium and it was the first time Walker has had to sit out a league game since arriving from Chelsea in January 2013, initially on loan.

Walker will be at Florence Park again today for treatment on the knee injury with a view to being fit for the game against Iron, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The 23-year-old shot-stopper is determined to be available for the clash where the outcome promises to play a big part in determining the U’s fate in their battle to beat the drop.

Walker said: “My knee is still a little bit swollen but hopefully it’ll keep improving every day.

“I may not train today as with short-term injuries, it’s not an absolute necessity, especially at this late stage of the season."

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including Sam Walker's exclusive weekly column, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.