COLCHESTER United manager Tony Humes has made signing a new forward a “priority” after skipper Chris Porter suffered an ankle injury.

Porter could miss the U’s trip to play Peterborough United this weekend after picking up the injury in the first half of their 2-2 draw with Blackpool, last Saturday.

Humes has made no secret of the fact that he is keen to bolster his attacking options, with what is likely to be a loan signing.

And Porter’s predicament means the U’s boss will step up his efforts to bring in extra firepower.

Humes said: “We’ve been trying to bring a new forward in over the last few weeks but it hasn’t quite happened with the ones we’ve been looking at. It’s down to the player’s club if we’re looking at loan signings – they have to make the decision when it’s right for them to let them go.

“That’s been our stumbling block over the last couple of weeks but it’s something we’ve looked into and it’s a priority for us, to see if we can get someone in as soon as possible.

“There’s a possibility Chris may be fit for Peterborough but it’s looking more doubtful that he will be.

“We hope he won’t be out for too long but whether this Saturday is too soon, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Macauley Bonne started in place of Porter in Colchester’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Reading in the Capital One Cup, on Tuesday night.

Humes said: “Macauley grew into the game – he found it hard in the first half against two experienced, former Premier League players.

“But the longer the game went on he grew in confidence and did well.

“He’s still a young player learning the game though, so he needs back up as well.”