Colchester United boss John McGreal insists it will not be a big concern if they do not sign a striker to replace Chris Porter this summer.

McGreal admits they are considering signing a new forward before the transfer window closes, following Porter’s exit last month.

Porter, who was Colchester’s leading goalscorer last season with 16 goals, has joined fellow League Two club Crewe Alexandra after rejecting a new deal at the U’s.

However, boss McGreal says it will not be a big worry should they fail to land a new striker in the coming weeks.

McGreal said: “Will we be looking? Possibly. Will we be overly concerned if we don’t get anyone in? No.

“If the likes of Kurtis (Guthrie) and Denny (Johnstone) get up to speed quickly, I don’t think it will be a problem.

“We’ve got Denny who missed the last three months of last season, we’ve got Kurtis coming back who missed the same amount of time.

“Drey (Wright) played particularly well in the striker’s role and we have Sammie Szmodics and Macauley Bonne.

“Chris did a lot of good for the club last year but at the same time, we did unbelievably well for Chris.

“It was easily his best season for a long time but as well as those players played, we’ve got a good thing going on here.”

Colchester have added to their keeper options with the capture of Rene Gilmartin on a free transfer from Watford.

The 6ft 5in keeper has arrived in a dual role as a player-coach and will provide competition for Sam Walker and Dillon Barnes.

“As well as coaching the boys, he’s coming into push Sam (Walker) all the way,” added McGreal.

“We’ve seen that from all three of the goalkeepers with Dillon (Barnes) as well.

“They’ve been training well and look up to speed already.

“Rene is only 30 and has done all of his badges.

“One thing that we did make clear is that as well as coming into do the coaching, we want him to push Dillon and Sam all the way and that can only be good for us as a team.”