Luke Norris will use Colchester United’s pre-season training camp as a chance to build up his fitness, in a bid to be fit for the new campaign.

The striker, who joined the U’s on a three-year deal from Swindon Town last month, has been unable to train because of a shoulder issue.

But he had his first training session with the under-23s on Tuesday along with undergoing some cardio work and is set to step up his work at Carden Park, where the Colchester squad are currently based.

However, he is unlikely to feature against Colwyn Bay, in their latest pre-season friendly tonight.

U’s head coach John McGreal said: “We’ll keep building his work up over the next couple of days at Carden Park and then let’s see what next week brings with the games against Dagenham, Dartford and then Millwall and Gillingham.

“He needs a lot more football because these boys have now been doing it for two weeks, as such.”

Colchester are hopeful that Harry Pell will be able to return to action against Colwyn Bay.

The midfielder, who joined the U’s on a three-year deal from Cheltenham Town earlier this summer, sat out their 5-0 win over Braintree Town in midweek because of a hamstring problem.

However, Colchester are hoping that Pell might be able to play a part tonight, when they take on their Northern Premier League hosts.

Ollie Kensdale has not travelled with the Colchester squad to Carden Park.

However, the young academy defender featured in the first half of the U’s win at Braintree and also played against them for Maldon and Tiptree, last weekend.

McGreal said: “Ollie Kensdale had 45 minutes (against Braintree).

“We wanted to try that three at the back and I like Ollie.

“I’ve liked him for a number of years.

“He’s a young boy who’s come through the ranks and I thought he was excellent against us for Maldon.

“He got his opportunity and he stepped into it and took the brief up really well.”

Colchester will be aiming to make it three friendly wins out of three tonight, following victories over Braintree and Maldon and Tiptree so far.

“If you look at the two fixtures that we’ve played, we’ve still got a lot to learn but it’s a good starting point,” added McGreal.