Colchester United head coach John McGreal says they are contemplating drafting in a replacement for Brandon Hanlan following the striker's return to Charlton Athletic.

Hanlan has gone back to the League One club after completing his loan spell at the U's, which they will not be extending.

Colchester's attacking options have been boosted of late by the return of the likes of Kurtis Guthrie and Courtney Senior from injury and the addition of Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, from Maldon and Tiptree.

However, boss McGreal has said they could look to add to their options up front, before the end of the current transfer window.

McGreal said: “Do we need a replacement for Brandon? Possibly.

“It’s not too much of a concern at the minute but we are out looking.

“We’ve got Junior (Ogedi-Uzokwe) in and Kurtis (Guthrie) coming back in is a big thing and Mika (Mandron) as well.

“Drey (Wright) can play a role up there as can Courtney Senior so we have got options that we can go with."

Hanlan made 20 league and cup appearances for Colchester after joining them on loan from Charlton, last August.

The 20-year-old scored twice in his first three appearances for the U's but failed to score after that and has struggled to claim a place in McGreal's starting line-up, over recent months.

“Brandon played his part in the start of our turning point," added McGreal.

“He was a big part of it and was involved in around nine games.

“We turned the corner when he was playing but later on, we tweaked the system a little bit to 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 and he didn’t get game time.

“A young man like Brandon needs to play and there were other clubs interested.

“We don’t want to keep him here and not play him, because he needs a career in the game as well.

“He’s been terrific for us but now we’re looking for our own to step up and progress, like Courtney (Senior)."