Steve Whitton hopes pacy Notts County striker Kevin Rapley is the prolific goalscorer Colchester United have been crying out for.

The U's boss welcomed the 23-year-old on trial at Layer Road on Monday and he is likely to feature in today's (Wednesday's) pre-season friendly at home to Norwich City.

Reading-born Rapley has struggled to break into the Notts County first team and spent a spell on loan with Southend three years ago where he grabbed four goals in nine starts.

And Whitton will be delighted if he can show that kind of form for the U's.

He said: "I've made no secret that I'm looking for a goalscorer and hopefully Kevin can fit the bill.

"He's struggled to get first-team football and maybe he needs a fresh challenge. It's certainly well worth taking a look.

"But I'm not desperate for another striker. Scott McGleish scored six goals in his final 12 appearances last season. If he can carry that form into next season I'll be more than happy."

Rapley started his career at Brentford before moving to Meadow Lane for £50,000 in February 1999. He had loan spells at Exeter and Scunthorpe United last season.

Whitton has offered contracts to triallists full-back Tony Allman and target man Christian Lee and expected to hear back from both players yesterday (Tuesday).

He is also waiting to hear from former Millwall midfielder Bobby Bowry, who was offered a deal last week.

Meanwhile, McGleish is continuing training despite injuring an elbow against Bury Town and could return to pre-season action next month.

Kevin Rapley - likely to feature for U's in today's friendly with Norwich City.

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