Colchester United head coach John McGreal says new striker Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe is an option for him ahead of their home game with Newport County, this weekend.

The 23-year-old striker, who joined the U’s from non-league outfit Maldon and Tiptree earlier this month on an 18-month deal, scored his first goals in the club’s colours in the under-23s’ 3-2 win over QPR at Florence Park, on Monday afternoon.

Ogedi-Uzokwe, who bagged a stunning 34 goals in as many games for the Jammers this season, has been on the bench for three of Colchester’s last four games in League Two.

He made his senior debut for the club in their 1-1 draw against Grimsby Town and boss McGreal says he is under consideration, for the Newport clash.

He said: “Junior’s looked really lively in training and that’s starting to show, so he’s an option for us.”

However, boss McGreal wants his new striker to be a little more prepared than he was against Grimsby, if he is asked to come off the bench again, this weekend.

Ogedi-Uzokwe was brought on in the dying moments of the game against Mariners, after replacing leading scorer Sammie Szmodics.

McGreal said: “It took him about four or five minutes to get changed, so we’ve had a little word with him about that to be ready to be called upon.”