Andrew Bond can force his way back into Colchester United’s starting line-up.

That is the view of U’s manager Joe Dunne, despite allowing the midfielder to join League One rivals Crewe Alexandra on loan.

Bond, 26, has returned to Gresty Road, where he started his playing career, on a one-month loan.

But Dunne has insisted that the former Barrow midfielder can be a part of his plans in the future if he gets back to his best.

Dunne said: “We sent Andy out on loan to Crewe.

“But we think that at his maximum, Andy can play games and get into this team.

“Everybody has to be on their toes.

“That’s competition and if we have that, we might get something from it.

“You can see by the substitutions that we’re making that players have to give their all.

“The players that have been starting have been doing that and then we’ve got players who are willing to come on and do the same.”

See Wednesday’s Gazette for a full match report and pictures from Colchester United’s 1-0 win at Swindon Town.