Colchester United boss Mick Wadsworth sprung a big surprise today when he revealed plans to include French triallist Fulvio Richard in the side for Saturday's crucial Division Two game at lowly Macclesfield.
Currently at Layer Road for a week, 29-year-old centre-back Richard impressed Wadsworth so much in yesterday's 6-1 Avon Insurance Combination win over Cambridge the U's boss is pulling out all the stops to register him in time to play at Macclesfield.
"Richard was pointed out to us by the same agent that represents Stephane Pounewatchy," said Wadsworth.
"He played in the same Martigues team as Stephane in the French First Division and I originally wanted to have a good look at him last year.
"If I can register him in time and get his international clearance I will be looking to include him for the game at Macclesfield."
Meanwhile, French-Zairos teenage sensation Lomano Tresor Lua Lua hit a hat-trick in the last five minutes of the U's big win over Cambridge.
All three were top class finishes as the U's turned on a spectacular second half show and it was Lua Lua's fifth hat-trick in a grand total of 27 goals in all football for the U's.
Wadsworth said: "The lad is highly talented but his understanding of the game isn't all it should be at the moment. I can't wait to work on him in the summer."
Micky Cook, Lua Lua's youth team boss said: "Lomano is a raw gem that every coach hopes will come along.
"He's always likely to score goals and regardless of how the team around him is playing he is always a potential match-winner."
Mark Sale had given the U's the lead, while fit again Karl Duguid hit a brace, one from the penalty spot.
The U's had three triallists on show, Richard, non-league striker Steve Forwell and Crystal Palace's Andy Turner.
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