Colchester United are running the rule over former Blackpool and Bristol City shot-stopper Elliot Parish.

The U’s are short of goalkeeping cover, with Sam Walker still recovering from a knee injury and James Bransgrove likely to be out until September, having undergone knee surgery.

Parish played 45 minutes in Colchester's 8-0 pre-season friendly win over Heybridge Swifts, on Saturday.

And he is set to start the U's friendly at Brentwood Town, tomorrow night.

Colchester boss Tony Humes said: “Elliot has come in and done us a favour.

“The goalkeeper position is definitely an area that we need to be aware of, should we feel that we need to bring anyone else in.

“Elliot has decent experience and he was playing Championship football, last season.

“It’s about having opportunities and options, should we need them.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a match report, pictures and reaction from their friendly win at Heybridge Swifts, see Monday's Daily Gazette.