Geraint Williams is set to make changes to his Colchester United side for tonight’s Carling Cup trip to Gillingham.
The U’s boss was left dismayed by the manner of his side’s 4-2 defeat at Hartlepool United on Saturday, on the opening day of the Coca-Cola League One season.
The likes of Kem Izzet, Clive Platt, Medy Elito and Matt Heath will all be hoping for recalls against the Gills, having been left out of Colchester’s starting line-up at Victoria Park.
However, defender Pat Baldwin (shoulder) is still sidelined and midfielder David Perkins is suspended.
Williams said: “We can make changes if we need to against Gillingham.
“I said to the players that started against Hartlepool that they have the jerseys – do your utmost to keep them.
“The players who were not in the side have proved all pre-season how badly they want to be in there.
“The Gillingham game may be a chance for the others to get their place and see if they can keep it.”
Colchester travel to the Priestfield Stadium for the opening round of the competition, with Williams hoping to clinch his first cup victory as a manager – in four attempts, he has failed to taste a win a game in either the FA Cup or League Cup.
Last season, Colchester were knocked out of the Carling Cup at the first round stage by Coca-Cola League Two club, Shrewsbury Town.
And the previous year, they suffered penalty heartache at Milton Keynes Dons, at exactly the same stage of the competition.
The last time the U’s played at the Priestfield Stadium was in a pre-season friendly, last summer.
They were beaten 4-2 by the Gills that night, with Platt and Johnnie Jackson on target for Colchester.
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