HAYDEN Mullins says striker Aramide Oteh was unlucky not to play more games during his Colchester United spell, ahead of his potential return.

Oteh joined Salford City last week following his summer release from QPR and could return to the JobServe Community Stadium with his new club when they face the U's tomorrow.

The 23-year-old striker has signed a short-term deal with the Ammies until January and made his debut for them as a substitute in their 2-2 draw with Northampton Town, last weekend.

Oteh made 13 league appearances for Colchester during his loan spell last season and made four league starts after joining them on loan from Rangers in January, scoring once.

He ended up playing under three different managers at the U's, as they battled to preserve their League Two status in the second half of the season.

U's head coach Mullins said: “Reme came in in January when it had just started to go a little bit and then there were a couple of changes in manager.

“Reme was unlucky while he was here and then Michael (Folivi) hit a bit of form and struck up a really good partnership with Frank (Nouble).

“It was hard for him to dislodge those two at the end.

“But he’s a good guy who trains really well and I’m not surprised to see him signing for a decent side."

Mullins admits he will have some decisions to make when he picks his Colchester starting line-up against Salford.

The U’s host the Ammies at the JobServe Community Stadium on the back of a midweek triumph over West Ham United’s under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy, where a number of players came into the side and did well.

The likes of Armando Dobra, Chay Cooper and Tom Eastman are hoping to keep their places in the side after impressing against the Hammers, coming off the back of a competent team display at Swindon Town last weekend.

“I’ve got some thinking to do and some decisions to be made," said Mullins.

“It’s really pleasing to see the boys who have come into the group play as well as they do, when they’re given their opportunity and really push the lads who have been playing.

“The team that played against Swindon and the team that played against West Ham; in the first half, we were excellent and really good and on the front foot with some bright football.

“We moved the ball really quickly.

“So there are some decisions to make but it’s pleasing as the head coach to see it – it’s tough to keep everyone happy!”

Colchester are hoping to follow up their creditable draw at Swindon with a first home league win of the season, this weekend.

They face a Salford side who are still searching for their maiden away victory of the League Two campaign.

Mullins said: “Salford are a good side with good experience in their squad.

“They have a number of good players and we’re expecting a tough game.

“They’ve had a bit of a up and down start but they’ll be looking to put that right, I’m sure.

“They have a good manager, a good side and a good squad, so we expect a difficult challenge.”