Dan Holman could be sent out on loan in a bid to gain some much-needed match action.

The Colchester United striker has managed only four league substitute appearances for the U’s since arriving from Braintree Town, in July.

Holman failed to make new manager Tony Humes’ final 18 for Colchester’s game at Walsall last weekend, despite Jabo Ibehre missing out with a knee injury.

Fellow striker Dominic Smith was promoted to the U’s first-team squad and made his debut as a second-half substitute, in the 0-0 draw.

Holman missed some of pre-season with a foot injury, which left his fitness levels behind the rest of the Colchester squad heading into the new season.

And with the 24-year-old lacking match practice, the U’s could send the striker out on loan in an attempt to increase his match sharpness.

Humes said: “I think that we need to get Dan playing football.

“He’s played senior football in the past in the Conference.

“I don’t think under-21 football is going to stretch him to where he wants to be.

“It’s something we will look at if people are interested.

“But I still want him to come in here and prove a point to us.

“He was brought in to play in the first team and we’ll keep an eye on him.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.