Colchester United will continue to cast their eye over trialists Merrick James-Lewis and Jackson Ramm this week.

The pair both played 45 minutes for the U’s in their 6-0 pre-season friendly win over Heybridge Swifts, on Saturday.

Midfielder James-Lewis, 20, is formerly of Southend United and has spent time on loan at Conference Premier side Braintree Town.

Ramm, 18, is a right-back who has played for Blackburn Rovers and is an England under-18 international.

The duo have not travelled to Holland with the U’s squad for their pre-season training camp this week.

However, they will continue to train with Colchester’s youngsters under the guidance of Head of Youth Tony Humes, at Florence Park.

Colchester manager John Ward said: “They’ve been with us for two weeks now.

“They’re both young lads and we have the under-21 league happening next year which will need some stability.

“They will come into training this week with Tony Humes and the other young pros who haven’t travelled to Holland with us.

“Over the next week or two, we’ll have a closer look at them and make a decision.”

See Monday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest U's news, including a report and pictures from the friendly win at Heybridge Swifts.