Colchester United are “very hopeful” that defender Marc Tierney will play a part in their Easter programme.

The popular left-back recently underwent a groin operation which forced him to miss the U’s games against Brentford and Wycombe Wanderers.

He is currently building up his rehabilitation under the supervision of physio Tony Flynn and taking part in running exercises.

Tierney has travelled with the rest of the Colchester squad to Devon.