Talented young Manchester United defender Paul Tierney could be in line to make his Colchester United debut tomorrow.

U's boss Phil Parkinson has swooped to bring the classy Republic of Ireland Under-21 international to Layer Road on a month's loan and he goes straight into the squad for the home game against Tranmere Rovers.

The U's manager, who welcomes back striker Rowan Vine tomorrow after a bout of tonsilitis, said: "Paul is a left-back who has played 22 League and cup games on loan with Crewe Alexandra.

"And he also played for Manchester United in their Carling Cup defeat against West Bromwich Albion earlier this season.

"It has been a problem finding a player who is not cup-tied and, although Paul was not registered in time to figure in our FA Cup replay against Coventry on Tuesday, he will be eligible to play in any future rounds and the LDV Vans Trophy ties against Southend."

Tierney, who will don number 26 on his shirt, was also among the substitutes for Manchester United's trip to Chelsea last season and he is equally comfortable playing in midfield.

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Published Friday January 30, 2004

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