Colchester United midfielder Emyr Huws has returned to full training

The 28-year-old has had no reaction to grass-based work and is line to play for the U's under-21s in the near future, after making a welcome return from a serious ankle injury.

Huws has been sidelined after rupturing ligaments in his side's friendly against Millwall, in July.

The former Ipswich Town midfielder has been on a rehabilitation programme since then, building his fitness back up again.

He has benefited from help from a specialist biomechanics clinic and now the Wales international's next step is likely to be game time for the U's under-21s.

Colchester captain Tommy Smith is also nearing a return, having been sidelined since July with a foot injury.

The former Ipswich defender has completed some grass-based sessions with the full squad and is also nearing a comeback.

Colchester boss Matt Bloomfield said: “We’re hoping that they can play for the under-21s, in the near future.

“They’re both real good players with good careers and good characters.

“They can be big players for this football club but we also need to be respectful of their injuries and give them the time that they need.

“But they’ve been working hard with Hashim (Ali) and Hayden (Clifton).

“They’ve been out on the grass with Rich (Thomas) and joining in, in training.

“We’re really, really hoping that they can be involved in the under-21s in the not too distant future and all being well, can then step up and be involved in the squad for selection.

“We’re really happy with the squad that we’ve got here and we’ve loved working with them.

“Tommo’s sessions are absolutely fantastic and the lads are responding to that on the grass.

“He’s a fantastic coach which is the reason why I wanted him here.

“We’re happy to have those two boys back, of course we are.

“But we’ve also got plenty of other footballers that we’re really enjoying working with and they have all of our focus, at this moment in time."