Doug Loft is set to make a welcome return to action in Colchester United's under-23 clash with Coventry City tonight.

The experienced midfielder has not featured for the U's since last August because of an Achilles injury but has now returned to first-team training and is set to play in the Professional Development League Two game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

Colchester head coach John McGreal said: “We had the choice to play Doug in the under-23 game at Bristol City (last Monday).

"But we just felt it was better for him to come in and train with the first team and put in a really good shift and do a bit extra, rather than battle the Monday morning traffic for an hour’s work down at Bristol.

“Now we’ve got a nice home game on Monday night against Coventry, which I think will be a good test for him as well."

Wayne Brown's under-23 side will be looking to bounce back following their 4-1 defeat at Bristol City, last week.

Meanwhile, left-back Lewis Kinsella is edging closer to a first-team return following his long-term ankle injury.

The former Aston Villa defender has been out since October but has recently spent a week at the National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton, as he reaches the closing stages of his rehabilitation.

McGreal said: "He is out and about and it's nice to see him back around the training ground.

"He has had a week at St George's Park and is doing really well.

"He is chirpy and is looking forward to getting his boots on and getting back out there.

"I'm sure he won't be too far away."