Colchester United striker Dan Holman is hoping to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly tomorrow, in a bid to be fit for the new League One season.

But any U's move for Darren Ambrose now appears unlikely, after the attacking midfielder featured as a trialist for Championship side Blackpool over the weekend.

Ambrose, a free agent after leaving Greek club Apollon Smyrni at the end of last season, had been training with the U’s and appeared for them in two pre-season friendlies.

However, the former Ipswich Town and Newcastle United star came on as a substitute for Blackpool in their 1-0 friendly defeat at the hands of Burnley, on Saturday.

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