RYAN Jackson is unlikely to be fit to face his former club when Colchester United travel to play Macclesfield Town, this weekend.

The reliable right-back was forced off with a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of the second half, during the U’s memorable Carabao Cup win over Spurs.

Jackson was taken off mainly as a precaution against Tottenham and replaced by Paris Cowan-Hall.

But the 29-year-old, who spent a year playing for Macclesfield in the 2012-13 season, is facing a battle to be fit for a return to Moss Rose.

Colchester boss John McGreal said: “Jacko’s an experienced boy and as we already know, he doesn’t miss that many games.

“We’ll have a good chat with him but also look at the physio and sport science side of things as well.

“We’ve had a lot of games and we also have a lot of games coming up, as well.”

If Jackson misses out, Colchester could recall Brendan Wiredu to the right-back position after the Charlton Athletic loanee was cup-tied for the Tottenham win.

Paris Cowan-Hall, who performed impressively as Jackson’s replacement in the second half against Spurs, is also in the running to play there.

McGreal said: “I thought Paris was excellent when he went in there, on Tuesday night.

“He’s played there before for Wycombe and he wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He slotted in brilliantly well against a top, top player in Son – he got stuck right into him.

“He’s an experienced boy and he’s fit boy, so there were no problems there.

“We’ve also brought in Brendan (Wiredu) as well and he’s been back-up in the full-back area and we have got cover in that area.”

Colchester will also assess the fitness of teenage winger Kwame Poku today, after he missed the Spurs win because of a calf injury.

“He’s had a dead leg around the calf area and it’s taken a little bit longer than we suspected,” said McGreal.

“He’s a young boy getting to know his body and it’s a case of him getting through certain things.

“He’s got to a certain level with it and now it’s just a case of time.

“With these games coming thick and fast, he can miss a couple of games in the space of a week and we’re hoping that it’s going to be sooner, rather than later.

“He was devastated not to be involved against Spurs, because everyone wants to be involved in the big games especially after him scoring against Leyton Orient.

“He’s a talented boy and we want him in and around the first team.

“We’ll assess him again (on Friday).”

Theo Robinson is also available again after being ineligible for the Spurs game but Callum Harriott and Harry Pell remain sidelined.