Frontman Christian Lee has the chance to land himself a Colchester United contract with a stellar performance at home to Charlton Athletic.

The ex-Bristol Rovers striker is on trial at Layer Road and will start against the Addicks tomorrow (Saturday).

U's boss Steve Whitton was impressed with his display in the 1-0 defeat at Braintree Town on Tuesday and will talk to the 24-year-old free agent after the weekend clash.

Whitton said: "I already have a pretty good idea of what Christian can do and we'll have to sit down after the game and see what our options are. If he plays well against Charlton then he'll do his chances of a contract no harm at all.

"It's going to be an interesting game because so far we've played non-league opposition and now we find ourselves against a Premiership club. It's a good chance for the triallists."

Former Millwall midfielder Bobby Bowry has already done enough to satisfy Whitton.

The 30-year-old, who has played in both the U's pre-season friendlies so far, is mulling over a contract offer and Whitton expects a decision today (Friday).

Other triallists Tony Allman, Osmar Tresor Kandol and French duo Aissam Hamdaoui and Didier Zonga are expected to feature in tomorrow's clash with Charlton Athletic at Layer Road (kick-off 3pm).

At least two more triallists will arrive at Layer Road next week. Whitton is still hoping to sign a left-back and striker before the season starts.

The U's youth team have secured a sponsorship deal worth £7,500 with Colchester-based Solar energy company Smart Energy.

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