Colchester United have been boosted by the news that Ashley Vincent's ankle injury is not as bad as first feared.

The 24-year-old was stretchered off in the first half of the U's 1-1 draw against Tranmere Rovers.

The injury occured on the same ankle that Vincent damaged earlier in the season, keeping him out for five months.

It had been feared that Vincent would be set for another spell on the sidelines.

However, the former Wolves trainee could be in contention to play again for Colchester before the end of the season.

He will undergo a fitness test tomorrow, ahead of the U's game against Huddersfield Town.

Manager Aidy Boothroyd said: “It was the same ankle he injured at Swindon and there was a bit of concern there straight away.

“But when you’re as quick and as good as he is, you’re a marked man.

“He has to learn how to ride tackles a little bit more or protect himself a little bit better.

“Ashley is one of the players who I certainly think will be alright here.

“He can get better and he wants to get better - we’ve missed him this season, without a shadow of a doubt."

Meanwhile, defender Lee Beevers is also on the comeback trail for the U's.

The former Ipswich Town trainee has not featured for Colchester's first-team since injuring his shoulder in the 2-1 defeat at MK Dons, last August.

However, he is now back in full training and featured for the U's reserves at Watford on Monday night.

“Saturday may be a bit too soon for Lee because he’s had such a traumatic time with injuries," added Boothroyd.

“But I’m glad to say that he’s been back in training and we will continue to see if we can get him closer to match selection next week.

“He’ll be making sure that he’s ready for the start of pre-season."

For all the latest U's news, see the Daily Gazette.