Colchester United head coach John McGreal says they are still hoping to keep goalkeeper Sam Walker at the club - despite dropping him in favour of the man who could replace him next season.

Walker’s contract is due to expire this summer and he has been linked with a move away from the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

He missed his first league game for Colchester in almost two seasons after youngster Dillon Barnes was handed a league debut in their 0-0 draw with Swindon Town, on Saturday.

That prompted more speculation that the former Chelsea youngster might be on his way.

But McGreal said: “I’m still waiting for a decision and I’m not going to be thinking hypothetically.

“We’d love Sam to stay – we’ll talk with him and his representatives and we’ll see where we go from there.

“We’ve made good offers for players, for the level we’re at. We know what we’re about.

“Some of these boys have performed to a seriously high level and things are going to happen.

“Sam’s been unbelievable this year.

“In the two years that I’ve been here, this is the first game that he’s missed in the league.

“He’s been a pivotal part of what we’re trying to do defensively.

“When we took over, we’d conceded over 100 goals and he’s been pivotal in helping us keep clean sheets.

“We’ll have to wait and see with the offer.”

Colchester have dropped to 12th in the League Two table, as a result of their stalemate with Swindon.

The U’s end their season with a trip to Exeter City on Saturday.