Colchester United are confident of extending Elliott Hewitt's loan spell from Ipswich Town.

The versatile 20-year-old, who has been at the Weston Homes Community Stadium since last October, was due to see his loan expire after Colchester's game at Gillingham on Saturday.

But U's boss Tony Humes is hopeful of the deal being extended again, as Colchester enter the final few games of the League One season.

Hewitt is set to start at right-back against Gillingham, with whom he played 20 games on loan in the 2013-14 season.

Humes said: “It has been ongoing since we brought Elliott in on a month-by-month basis.

“That’s how Mick (McCarthy) wants it at Ipswich so if they need a recall then it is available.

“But Mick has said he is happy for him to stay for the season, so I’d imagine it will be a quick phone call.

“I think Ipswich are happy with everything.

“Elliott has done well.

“He still has to learn the finer points of defending and there is still a lot of development to do but he’s done well for us in every position he’s played for us.

“The last two games I think he has looked pretty solid."

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