Michael O'Donoghue is close to making a long-awaited comeback from injury for Colchester United .

The teenage full-back has missed the last ten months through injury after rupturing his knee ligaments in training.

O'Donoghue's only senior appearance for the U's prior to his long-term injury came in their 3-2 defeat at Barnsley in League One, last November.

He was believed to be on the verge of being named as a substitute for Colchester's under-21 squad for their game against Barnsley at the Weston Homes Community Stadium tonight but was considered not quite yet ready yet for match action.

However, the likes of Macauley Bonne, Dion Sembie-Ferris and Sammie Szmodics will all feature in the match, which kicks off at 7pm.

John McGreal's side will be looking to maintain their excellent form in Professional Development League Two which has seen them rise to the top of the table.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.