Frankie Kent will be promoted to Colchester United’s first-team squad for their matches over the festive period.

The academy defender has been drafted in by U’s boss Joe Dunne as cover, after Ben Tozer was recalled by his parent club Northampton Town.

Tozer was due to be named in Colchester’s squad for their home clash with Stevenage this afternoon, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

However, he has been called back to Sixfields following the departure of Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd, having played made only one appearance during his brief spell with the U’s.

Dunne said he intends to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the transfer window reopening next month, in light of Tozer’s departure.

Dunne said: “It’s a shame that Ben has been recalled by Northampton.

“But we will bring a young player into the squad over the Christmas programme who we know can do a job.

“Frankie Kent will come into the squad and he’s a player who is comfortable in and around the first-team squad.

“It’s a strategy we’ll have to look at now though.

“I’ve gone on record saying we don’t expect much business in January but that will change with Ben going back.

“The problem we have is that whoever comes in will know that they will be coming in as cover.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.