Tom Lapslie can fill the void left by Alex Gilbey at Colchester United next season.

That’s the view of U’s boss Kevin Keen, who believes the diminutive midfielder is the perfect candidate to come in and replace Gilbey if as expected he leaves the Weston Homes Community Stadium this summer.

Lapslie is standing by to start Colchester’s key home game against Peterborough United tomorrow in place of Gilbey, who is set to miss the match with a groin injury.

And manager Keen feels the dynamic 20-year-old is more than capable of producing the same kind of commitment and quality as his midfield partner Gilbey.

Keen said: “Tom Lapslie has worked so hard and he was excellent (at Blackpool) last weekend.

“We all know now that Alex is going to leave the club in the summer, so I’m really pleased that we’ve got someone of Tom’s stature that can come in and fill his shoes.

“There are similarities with Alex, but there are differences too.

“Alex is very dynamic, up and down the pitch and 6ft 2ins.

“Tom’s five foot nothing but in terms of their work-rate and endeavour for the club and their willingness to fight for the cause there are similarities.

“Both can see passes and I think both would have similar goal ratios at the end of their careers.

“There are similarities but certain physical differences that everyone can see.

“Tom’s had groin problems this year, whether it’s growing or the accumulation of playing matches and training at a more intense level.

“He’s been knocking on the door for quite a while and his performances for the under-21s have been really good.

“He’s a big part of the reason why that team have done so well this season - he’s a game kid and a fantastic player.”

Colchester lie eight points from safety with five games remaining and know a win is essential tomorrow if they are to keep their slim survival hopes alive.

They face a Peterborough side for whom the play-offs are now out of reach but U’s boss Keen is nevertheless expecting a difficult test.

Keen added: “They’ve got some really talented players and fantastically skilful individuals.

“They’re a dangerous opponent and I’m sure their manager won’t be happy about the run they’re on.

“In my eyes, it a tough game but then they’re all tough games, for different reasons.

“I’m expecting a really hard game tomorrow but I’m confident we’ll go out and give it a really good go.”