Colchester United boss Joe Dunne says he is unlikely to flood his squad with trialists this summer.

The U’s embark on their first pre-season friendly tomorrow night when they travel to play non-league outfit Heybridge Swifts, at Scraley Road.

Colchester’s game against the Ryman League division one north side will be Dunne’s first chance to assess his squad in a match situation, ahead of the new League One season.

The U’s under-21 side fielded a number of free agents in their 2-0 win over Hadleigh United last weekend, with the likes of ex-Arsenal youngster Phil Roberts and James Musa, formerly of Fulham, both featuring.

But Dunne is anxious to ensure that any involvement of trialists does not detract from the game time needed by the existing members of his first-team squad.

Dunne said: “Having a lot of trialists is not something I’m big on.

“If you’re happy with what you have already, you work with that."

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Tuesday's Gazette.