MATT Bloomfield admits it was a 'big call' for him to recall skipper Tommy Smith in place of Tom Eastman at the heart of the Colchester United defence.

But the U's head coach was delighted with the club captain's performance against Doncaster Rovers, on his return from injury.

Smith made his first appearance of the season in the 3-0 victory last weekend, having been sidelined for four months with a foot injury sustained in pre-season.

The 32-year-old produced an impressive performance to help the U's secure their first clean sheet under Bloomfield, who has praised the New Zealand international for his display.

Bloomfield said: "I only made that call on Friday morning.

"I was mulling it over in my mind and this is no slight on Tom (Eastman), because he's been a great player for this football club and will continue to be so, moving forward.

"I was driving into work on Friday morning at 6.15; I turned the music off and was just trying to think.

"I discussed it with my staff and we decided to go with Tom.

"I just felt at that point that Tom (Smith's) influence, leadership, voice, he's captain of the football club and also that balance being left footed, on the left-hand side.

"But like I say, it's no slight on Easty at all because he's been really, really good since I walked in the building.

"I just felt that was a big call to make and I felt like I wanted to do it.

Gazette:

"Tom was great and we got our clean sheet.

"As you move into your thirties, you kind of know what you're good at and not so good at and Tom seems to know what he's good at.

"He's a real vocal character; again, someone who's not been able to play any football for me since he walked in the building.

"I'm really, really pleased for Tom.

"He's a leader in the dressing room and a big voice and someone who's had a really, really good career."

Bloomfield has also had words of praise for midfielder Ossama Ashley, who was outstanding for Colchester against Doncaster.

The former West Ham United youngster (pictured below) has impressed in the U's last three games, in a role just in front of the defence.

"Ash has been absolutely fantastic in three games now," added Bloomfield.

Gazette:

"I don't want to go overboard because he's still a young player.

"But he had an unfortunate moment in the first game I walked in and found himself not involved for a few games.

"He's a great kid; a really, really nice humble lad who really, really wants to do well and work hard every day.

"I want to surround myself with those kind of people.

"For me, life is all about connections and people and Ash is just one of those kids who just want to do well, because he's such a good lad.

"In the last three games he's played, I think he's been absolutely excellent."