JAY Mingi will undergo a scan on his hamstring after limping out of Colchester United's EFL Trophy win over Peterborough United last night.

The former Portsmouth and West Ham United midfielder had to be withdrawn after 41 minutes of the U's 1-0 victory over Posh, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester boss Matty Etherington said: "It's hard to assess right now.

READ MORE: Matty Etherington's verdict on U's win over Peterborough

"It's a hamstring injury but we don't know yet to what extent yet.

"He doesn't seem to think it's too bad but he definitely felt something in his hamstring.

"We'll have to get that scanned and we'll go from there with it but it's disappointing for Jay, because he was looking really good and he gave us loads of energy and athleticism, in the middle of the park.

"If he is to miss out, it'll be a miss for us."

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Colchester were boosted by the return of centre-back Fiacre Kelleher against Peterborough.

The Irish defender made his first competitive start for the U's since September 2 after injury, completing 70 minutes against Posh before being replaced by youngster Frankie Terry.

Tom Hopper also made his first competitive start for Colchester in more than a month, with the experienced striker completing the full 90 minutes.

"It was great to see Kells back," said Etherington.

"It hasn't been the best start to the season for him and we've built him up slowly in the 21s, etc.

READ MORE: Match report as Colchester see off Peterborough in EFL Trophy

"To get 70 minutes out of him will be really good for him.

"It was also great to see Hops get 90 minutes under his belt - I think he'll benefit from that."

Meanwhile, Etherington says he was pleased for goalkeeper Tom Smith who helped Colchester keep a clean sheet on his return to the starting line-up.

The young shot-stopper made his first start for the U's between the sticks since their 5-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers, last month.

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Etherington said: "I didn't think Tom had a great deal to do but what he did do, he looked really accomplished.

"I'm pleased for him and it'll give him a lot of confidence.

"It gives Tom a chance to maybe erase those demons from the previous two performances.

"It should be really good for him."

Colchester will discover their opponents in the EFL Trophy Round of 32 on Friday evening, with the draw taking place at 6.30pm on Sky Sports News.

The U's face a trip to either MK Dons, Reading, Portsmouth or West Ham United under-21s, in the next round.