Colchester United are monitoring Brennan Dickenson's fitness, ahead of their trip to play Tranmere Rovers this weekend.

Dickenson has been carrying a back problem that caused him to miss the 3-1 win at Cheltenham Town, last Saturday.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion youngster played more than an hour of the U's Checkatrade Trophy defeat at the hands of Southampton under-21, on Tuesday night.

But there are still doubts over his fitness, ahead of the game at Prenton Park.

U's head coach John McGreal said: “It’s so so. It’s one that we’re casting an eye over at the minute.

“We had to take him off the other night and we’re continually assessing."

Sammie Szmodics is set to be fit for the Tranmere game though, having come off at half-time in Colchester's game against Southampton under-21s.

“Sammie’s fine – it was more of a precaution," said McGreal.

“We know what he’s like, he runs himself into the ground.

“He had a little bit of a niggle but he’s been able to train (on Thursday)."

McGreal will definitely have to make changes to his side for the game at Tranmere, with midfielder Brandon Comley away on international duty with Montserrat and unavailable.

The U's will also again be without Tom Lapslie following his knee surgery, which could provide a opportunity for a first-ever league start for youngster Diaz Wright.

McGreal added: “There’s always decisions to make at this football club.

“That’s why we want that healthy competition.

“I wasn’t happy with the performance on Tuesday but I’m most certainly happy with the way we trained.

“As a player, if you can’t get the next game in make sure you’re ready to train as hard as you can."