Colchester United manager Tony Humes has played down fears that goalkeeper Sam Walker may miss the start of the new season.

Walker visited a specialist last week about the knee injury he suffered in the U’s 1-0 defeat at Coventry City, last April.

The 23-year-old, who watched the U's friendly win over Brentwood Town last night from the stands, returned to play in Colchester’s final four games of last season.

But Walker aggravated the injury in the U’s memorable final-day win over Preston North End.

And the popular shot-stopper’s preparations for the new campaign have been disrupted, as a result.

Former Blackpool keeper Elliot Parish is currently training with Colchester and featured in their friendlies against Brentwood and Heybridge Swifts.

However, Humes is hoping that Walker is progressing well in his bid to be fit for the new season.

The U’s boss is first-choice keeper will be fit enough to play in one of the U’s upcoming friendlies against either Leyton Orient or Ipswich Town, later this month.

Humes said: “Sam saw the specialist last week which was positive so we just have to see how he progresses but that’s why we’re having a look at Elliot.

“It’s difficult with no games and no training to know how it’s going to react.

“But everything he’s done so far has been very positive and hopefully it will stay that way.

“We’re looking at how he progresses and everything at the minute is going to plan.”

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