Colchester United boss Steve Whitton is ready to take a chance on disgraced Ipswich defender Adam Tanner.

The U's boss was offered the 26-year-old on loan by Ipswich Town manager George Burley before details of his drink-drive conviction emerged.

Whitton, who can pick up Tanner on a free transfer if he decides to make the move permanent, said on Monday: "I won't take Adam if he ends up going to prison.

"The courts will decide what the punishment is and, if he doesn't go away, we will look at taking him.

"He's a good player when his mind is right. I'm sure he realises he's made a mistake and he will be counting the cost of his misdemeanours. Everyone deserves another chance and he may get one with us but nothing's been decided."

Whitton will check on Tanner's form for Town's reserves against Cambridge at Portman Road today.

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