Colchester United striker Macauley Bonne has been called up to the Zimbabwe squad for their forthcoming match against Swaziland.

The U’s player has been named in the Warriors squad for their African Cup of Nations Group L qualifier, on March 25.

It will mean that Bonne, who scored on his Zimbabwe debut against Morocco in November 2014, is set to miss Colchester’s League One clash with Doncaster Rovers on Good Friday.

He could also sit out their trip to play Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena, on March 29.

Colchester’s fate this season is yet to be determined but boss Kevin Keen says he would never block the striker from representing his country.

Keen said: “Zimbabwe have got a couple of big games coming up and playing for your country is a huge thing.

“I’d never stop anyone or influence anyone from not playing for their national team.

“It could affect the team for that week, as we’ve got two games.

“But I’ll never stop them and if they’ve got doubts about certain things it’ll be their choice.

“There may be one small thing that needs to be resolved.

“But I’m just happy he’s been selected for his national team - it’s a great honour and the biggest honour - it’s a great experience.”

Meanwhile, Nathan Oduwa, who is currently on loan at Colchester from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, has also received international recognition after being called up for Nigeria’s under-23 team.

Oduwa has already represented England up to under-20 level but qualifies for Nigeria through his parents and accepted an invitation to join their under-23 squad at a training camp, at the end of last year.