COLCHESTER United have been handed a double New Year boost after two of their key players returned from injury.

Skipper Harry Pell and winger Callum Harriott have both returned to full training and could both feature in the U’s League Two clash with Tranmere Rovers tomorrow.

Pell has not featured for Colchester since November because of a knee injury, while winger Harriott has been sidelined for the last two games.

Colchester head coach Steve Ball said: “Harry’s really pushing to be involved on Saturday, so that’s a big plus.

“Callum Harriott is similar as well so I think we’ll have them both available for the weekend, which is a real positive.

“With a player like Callum who has that speed and electricity about his game, he’s suffered from hamstring injuries over the years.

“Touch wood, whenever he gets injured it’s never a long one – maybe a week here, a couple of weeks there.”

Ball says he is ambitious to be successful this year, as Colchester attempt to begin 2021 on a winning note.

“We’ve got a lot to be positive about,” said Ball, who was appointed as U’s boss last July.

“It’s been a really indifferent run of form and we want to get back that winning habit as soon as possible.

“It’s been a difficult year for everyone, with what’s happened.

“But 2020 was a brilliant year for me to be named head coach – it’s a fantastic achievement and I’m over the moon with it.

“It’s one where I don’t just want to be happy about it, I want to achieve and in 2021, the aim will be to achieve with the football club, to work to the model, to bring through more exciting kids and hopefully at some point, try and get out of the league.”

Meanwhile, Ball insists he is ‘big enough’ to deal with any criticism that comes his way.

The U’s have come under fire in some quarters of late following a five-match winless run, in League Two.

Ball added: “Every manager who has been at this club has had that over the years.

“The fans will have an opinion and I know that – I’m a local boy and it’s one of those where I hope they will see that a lot of change at the club has happened, this season.

“I’ve actually said on record that I want there to be expectation and I want that pressure, because I think we’re a good side – I think we’ve proven that at times, this year.

“My thoughts on that haven’t changed but as far as opinion and a bit of stick coming my way, I’m big enough to deal with that, that’s fine.”