Steven Gillespie staked his claim for a place in Colchester United's starting line-up by bagging a hat-trick for the reserves today.

The U's record signing scored three times in the first half, in his side's 5-1 friendly triumph over Grays Athletic at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Medy Elito and David Fox were also on target in the match.

Gillespie has been slowly regaining his fitness following a hamstring injury which disrupted his early season progress for the U's.

However, he has been a regular on the substitutes bench under manager Aidy Boothroyd and is edging closer and closer to full fitness.

Boothroyd said: “We know a lot about Steven from his previous clubs.

“There’s a history of bumps and niggles but I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“He’s a very big talent who I think so far has not done what he wants to do in his career.

“Sometimes you come across people who will get you where you need to get and I think I’m that person.

Meanwhile, striker Jamie Guy is set to make his Port Vale debut tonight when they take on Stockport County, in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Guy has joined the Valiants on a three-month loan and will link up again with former U's assistant manager Micky Adams, who is manager at Vale Park.