Colchester midfielder Jason Dozzell is winning his fitness battle to play against high-flying Bristol Rovers.

The former Ipswich and Tottenham star faces a late fitness test on a bruised foot but should be ready for the visit of Ian Holloway's in-form side on Saturday.

Dozzell suffered severe bruising in the 1-1 draw away to fellow Second Division strugglers Blackpool on Monday and was replaced at half-time by Jamie Moralee.

But the 32-year-old playmaker is almost certain to return to action and play a key role as the U's bid to exact revenge for the 2-1 defeat at the Memorial Ground last month.

U's boss Steve Whitton, who is definitely without Tony Lock (knee), said: "Jason's foot is still very sore but I am hopeful he will be ready in time for what is a very important match.

"He is still a very influential player and it will be a great boost to us if he is able to play. He had an X-ray and that revealed there was no serious damage to his foot so he should be fit in time.

"Rovers are a very solid side and we need something to break them down and Jason is the type of player who can unlock defences."

But there are no further developments in the contract wrangle between the club and central defender David Greene.

The 26-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and he has so far resisted an offer from the U's which would make him the highest paid player at the club.

Greene is thought to want more money and the former Ireland Under 21 is free to talk to other clubs under the Bosman ruling.

But Whitton still wants the player to stay and added: "We cannot do anything about the rules which say a player can talk to other clubs but I hope David changes his mind and decides to stay."

Former U's boss Ian Atkins has been appointed director of football at Third Division basement club Chester City.

Atkins has also managed Cambridge United and Northampton Town since he left Layer Road in 1991 to become assistant manager at Birmingham City.

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