Colchester United head coach John McGreal has confirmed he is looking to strengthen his left-back options ahead of the big kick-off.

And former Aston Villa youngster Lewis Kinsella will get another chance to show the U’s that he is worthy of earning a full-time deal at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

McGreal wants to bring in a new full-back, with Matt Briggs set to undergo a scan on his troublesome hip problem today.

Kinsella did his chances of earning a contract no harm with a solid display in Colchester’s 1-0 friendly defeat against Ipswich Town, on Wednesday night.

The U’s will give the 21-year-old another opportunity to impress in their forthcoming friendlies against either Chelmsford City tomorrow or Crystal Palace, on Monday night.

McGreal told the Daily Gazette: “Lewis has come in and trained with us and he’s done particularly well.

“Hopefully we can try and get him some more game time over the Saturday or the Monday.

“He’s a lovely lad who speaks really well about the game and how he wants to get fit and stronger.

“I thought he did particularly well and he got involved in the defending aspect, not coming out too early but stepping onto things.

“He has a nice left foot that gives us that balance of an outlet pass, just to fire one down the line or into our forward line, so he had a good hour.

“Matt Briggs is going in for a scan today, so left-back is an area that we need to add to.”

Colchester will assess their squad before deciding who will feature at National League South side Chelmsford tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

McGreal said: “We’ll see how the players are in terms of tired limbs and what they’re like, before deciding on who plays (against Chelmsford).

“We’ll put a gauge on it then but there will be some first teamers going to the game tomorrow.”

McGreal was pleased with Colchester’s display against Ipswich, who claimed victory thanks to Brett Pitman’s first-half strike.

He added: “It was a really good exercise - the most important thing for me was minutes and no injuries.”