Rhys Healey is in line to make his first-ever professional start for Colchester United this weekend.

The on-loan Cardiff City striker is set to be named in the U’s starting line-up for their trip to play Preston North End tomorrow.

Healey came off the bench to score on his Colchester debut in their 3-0 win at Crewe Alexandra, last weekend.

And he is now pushing to be included in their team for their trip to Deepdale.

That is likely to mean Gavin Massey switching to a more central position, with Freddie Sears and Sanchez Watt supporting Healey in attack.

U’s boss Tony Humes said: “It’s a consideration to start the way we finished against Crewe.

“When Rhys came on, we scored three goals in ten minutes after his arrival.

“We’ve tried a few things in training and we’re looking at different options, so we’ll make that decision today.

“Rhys came on and scored on his debut last week and had a big impact on the game.

“We have to decide whether or not Rhys is in from the start and any other alterations we might make.

“Rhys is very similar to Freddie (Sears) and that’s one of the reasons why we went for him.

“Rhys is in the same mould - he’s still learning but he likes to play off the shoulder, play in space and create opportunities.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.