CALLUM Harriott’s first appearance since returning to Colchester United has been delayed by injury.

The 25-year-old winger, who re-joined the U’s on a permanent basis last week on a two-year contract, is unavailable for the trip to play Forest Green Rovers today due to a ‘slight’ injury.

Harriott, who made 23 appearances and scored seven goals during a successful loan spell with the U’s in the 2015-16 season, returned to the JobServe Community Stadium on a free transfer after spells at Charlton Athletic and Reading.

Midfielder Harry Pell is also unavailable due to an Achilles injury but U’s boss John McGreal should otherwise have a strong squad to choose from for the trip to the New Lawn.

Meanwhile, Michael Fernandes was on target for Colchester’s under-23s in their 3-1 defeat at Barnsley in Professional Development League Two yesterday.

The U’s got off to the worst possible start by conceding a very early goal.

Dylan Motley-Henry netted with a cool finish from close range when he got on the end of Moussa Solimare’s cross, after just two minutes.

The goal gave Barnsley the impetus to dominate the first 20 minutes of the match as Colchester looked for a way back into the match.

This good spell by the Tykes saw Alex Wollerton go close to increasing the lead moments later.

He latched onto a through ball but his clipped attempt over goalkeeper Callum Coulter's legs bounced agonisingly wide of the far post.

Motley-Henry's header flew narrowly wide before Coulter made good saves to deny Elliot Simoes and then Sang, as Barnsley threatened to add to their tally.

However the home team, managed by Martin Devaney, were then stunned as the visitors struck back just after the half hour, against the general run of the game.

Fernandes turned home Cohen Bramall’s low cross and with the side now more in the game, home keeper Joshua Rae was forced into a good save.

However five minutes after getting back on level terms, the U’s were rocked as the hosts scored again though Chris Sang who converted the chance on the back post on 37 minutes, after a good knock down by Motley-Henry.

As the match swung off to the other end of the field, Fernandes then missed a great chance to make it 2-2 but after going around the home keeper, he somehow put the chance wide.

However half-time arrived with the hosts still holding onto a 2-1 advantage.

It was generally a quiet start to the second half, although the home team had a goal ruled out for a foul on Coulter after Simoes turned home Jordan Barnett’s free kick.

The home team were now mainly restricted to long range efforts, with Simoes and Wollerton trying their luck from distance.

As Colchester responded, Jasper Moon did well to block Freddie Hinds’ low effort with his body.

Barnett’s free-kick went just wide for Barnsley with seven minutes remaining, before keeper Rae was to deny U’s defender Bramall.

However the home team made victory safe three minutes from time through Jack Sherlock who netted after being set up by Simoes.

Colchester United under-23s: Coulter, Scarlet, Collinge, Weaire, Kensdale, Bramall, James,Fernandes, Dunne, Hinds, Hasanally. Subs: Ige, Ager, Edwards-John, Hallett.