Brennan Dickenson is hoping to get the green light today to step up his injury comeback.

The Colchester United winger, who has been out since the end of last season after suffering a cruciate injury in training, is due to see a specialist where is hoping to be given the go ahead to increase his running exercises.

Colchester head physio Tony Flynn told the U's matchday programme: "He had done a bit of jogging ahead of the appointment so we have a reference point of how he is getting on.

"Being able to run is the biggest step up so far, for a couple of reasons.

"It means it easier to get cardio and fitness work done and gives the knee some real work under some weight bearing pressure."

Dickenson last week took part in ball work for the first time since the knee injury, for which he underwent surgery last May.

The 24 year-old, who was Colchester's player of the year last season, tweeted: "Long time coming, finally I got to put some boots and do some ball work."

Dickenson's comeback is scheduled to be next February but both he and the club are hoping it might be earlier than that, should he continue to make good progress.

Meanwhile, Kurtis Guthrie is set to make his first appearance for more than seven months tonight for Colchester's under-23 side against Millwall U23.

Guthrie, who underwent ankle surgery last February, is set to take part in the final half hour of the Professional Development League Two game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

Flynn added: "Because of the time he has been out of action, we will have to be careful with how much time he has in the game.

"It might only be 20 minutes or half an hour - we will keep a close eye on him throughout and see how he is."