COLCHESTER United boss Steve Ball has revealed a key factor that influenced his team selection for their game at Mansfield Town.

The U's head coach had plenty of decisions to make prior to their visit to the One Call Stadium on Friday night, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Colchester had gone into the Mansfield match on the back of an impressive 2-1 win over Leyton Orient.

But the U's also welcomed back senior players Ben Stevenson, Callum Harriott and Tom Lapslie from injury.

Ball elected to bring Stevenson back into the starting line-up against Mansfield with Folivi, who had impressed against the O's, dropping to the bench.

However, Ball revealed that former Watford youngster Folivi not training in the build-up to the match played a part in his thinking.

He said: “Mike Folivi was excellent (against Leyton Orient) last Saturday but he hadn’t actually trained all week.

“That was the main reason behind it.

“I don’t want to give too much away but he’s been injured all week and he only trained (on Thursday).

“We felt it was a bit too soon to start him but he came on and did well."

Colchester are seventh in the League Two standings, following this weekend's results.

Luke Norris came off the bench to score in the 85th minute and salvage a point for the U's, after Nicky Maynard had given Mansfield the lead, earlier in the second half.

Norris had started among the substitutes, having recently recovered from a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old has now scored three times this season and boss Ball was pleased to see the striker hit the net again.

Ball added: “I’ve got a lot of time for Luke Norris, always have done.

“He’s had a couple of nasty injuries this year and got back in no time and he’s going to be pushing Jevani (Brown) now, which is exactly what I want.

“Jevani’s our top scorer and is flying and I know Nos wants loads of goals and that’s great for me.

“I thought all of the subs all did well, which is positive."

Colchester return to action on Tuesday night when they travel to play Exeter City, in League Two (kick-off 7pm).