French goal-getter Steve Germain and club captain Richard Wilkins are fighting for a place in Colchester United's Easter Holiday line-up.

Both are included in the the U's team for tonight's Avon Insurance Combination top nine clash with East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town at Portman Road, kick-off 7pm.

And U's boss Mick Wadsworth said yesterday: "If both players come through the game with flying colours and Germain's international clearance comes through in time, they will definitely be in the running for this weekend's vital Division Two outings against Preston North End and Burnley."

Currently three points clear of the relegation zone, the U's need every point they can get from their remaining nine games.

A fully fit Wilkins and the goal-hungry Germain might just provide a shot in the arm for a U's line-up that has lost it's last three games after going eight matches unbeaten.

The experienced Wilkins, a key member of the Layer Road squad, has played just one of the last six League outings after struggling to shrug off a hamstring injury.

Transfer deadline day signing Germain was ruled out of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at AFC Bournemouth because the French FA are dragging their heels over his international clearance.

"It's just a phone call away," said U's managing director Stephen Gage " and until it comes through Germain will not be allowed to play even in the reserves."

U's boss Wadsworth will be pulling out all the stops to make sure his former AS Cannes teenager will get the green light for the Ipswich clash.

"Steve is a very good player," said Wadsworth. "He's already played first team football in France and he looks quite exciting in training.

"Realistically the boy is one for the future, but if things go okay at Ipswich tomorrow night he will figure in my plans for our Easter games against Preston and Burnley."

Wadsworth is also aiming to include triallist Kevin Watson, a 19-year-old left back released by Charlton, at Ipswich tonight.

Ipswich have designated the game as a "Family Night" with admission £2 (adults) and £1 (children).

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