Jinxed Colchester United captain Mark Warren is battling against the clock to play at Huddersfield Town tomorrow after a bizzare training ground accident put him in hospital.

Warren, available again after a four-match suspension, is in serious doubt of making a comeback at The Alfred McAlpine Stadium following a collision with goalkeeper Richard McKinney and striker Kevin Rapley.

The former Leyton Orient and Notts County central defender suffered whiplash and said today his neck was so sore that there is little chance of him playing.

He said of the accident: "Richard came out to punch the ball and took out both me and Raps.

"My neck was so painful that I was immediately sent for an x-ray.

"It's ironic that I've been working hard for the past three weeks during my suspension with nothing wrong with me. Then, two days before I'm due to come back, Richard takes me out in training.

"I'll leave it overnight to see if things calm down and if it's okay I'll be raring to go."

Published Friday October 25, 2002

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