Manager Steve Whitton is facing last-minute selection problems as he prepares Colchester United for their Chesterfield clash.

With tonight's bottom-of-the-table game at Layer Road looming Whitton is sweating on the availability of Steve McGavin, Joe Keith and Gavin Johnson for a Division Two crunch encounter that has already developed into a six-pointer with less than half the season gone.

With long-term injury victims Richard Wilkins, Steve Forbes, Andy Arnott and Geraint Williams already ruled out, Whitton's resources are thin on the ground.

"It's going to be a last-minute thing with all of them," said the U's boss yesterday (Thursday).

"Steve McGavin has reported in with tonsilitis, but is looking the most hopeful of the trio at the moment. We'll have to wait and see on Joe Keith who hasn't trained this week and Gavin Johnson is rated as having only a 50-50 chance of playing because of a groin injury.

"Hopefully the situation will be a lot brighter, but whatever team I eventually put on to the pitch I am sure they will be giving their all. This is a very important game for both teams."

Striker Jamie Moralee boosted his chances of inclusion by scoring for the reserves in Wednesday's 1-1 Avon Insurance Combination match at Luton.

There has also been some bright news on the sponsorship front. Essex brewers Ridleys have confirmed they are extending their away shirt sponsorship for another year until the end of the 2000-2001 season.

Colchester United's former Brazilian midfielder Jose Antunes Fumaca was in the Newcastle United line-up that beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at St James's Park on Sunday.

Fumaca, who played just 14 minutes of League football for the U's at home to Manchester City last season, has followed current Newcastle coach, and former U's boss, Mick Wadsworth everywhere since his departure from Layer Road.

Steve McGavin - hoping to play despite illness.

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