Tom Lapslie is “desperate” to return to Colchester United’s starting line-up for the season run-in, according to John McGreal.

But the U’s head coach has stressed they must be cautious over the fitness of the midfielder, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Lapslie has missed Colchester’s last two matches in League Two after suffering the injury in the opening minutes of their 2-1 win over Luton Town, on Good Friday.

The 22-year-old is hoping to return for the U’s vital clash with Notts County at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, on Saturday.

But boss McGreal admits the former academy player was not close to playing in the 1-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Accrington Stanley, last weekend.

McGreal said: “Tom is desperate to play but it’s a hamstring and you have to be wary of it.”

Colchester will also assess the fitness of winger Brennan Dickenson, ahead of the Notts County clash.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion youngster has missed the U’s last two games with a dead leg.

Colchester head into the Notts County game sitting four points off the play-off positions, with four games remaining.

They remain the same distance away from the play-offs, after fellow top-seven hopefuls Swindon Town and Mansfield Town were both held in their respective games against Yeovil Town and Stevenage, last night.

“We have another home game at the weekend and I’m sure Notts County will bring a lot of fans,” said McGreal.

“It’s a big game for us and hopefully, we’ll get a good start to try and get a good foothold on the game.

“We’ll analyse the Accrington game and see where we are, for the Notts County game.”

Colchester under-23s are back in action tomorrow.

They travel to play their Cardiff City counterparts in the Professional Development League Two, kick-off 2pm.