Davison Ready For Preston Recall?

Colchester United’s player-goalie Aidan Davison could be in line for a recall to the starting XI for the first time this year, pending any appeal against the red card shown to Dean Gerken during last weekend’s game against Barnsley.

Davison, 39, has been recovering from an enduring back problem that limited his participation during pre-season but could be fit in time to play at Deepdale on Saturday with Gerken likely to be ineligible.

Davison was set to take a place on the subs’ bench on the opening day of the season, only for the problem, which he has described as the first major injury of his lengthy career, to flare up once more.

However, through a set of notes by the club’s Physio, Tony Flynn in the last matchday programme, it is understood that Davison is on the road to recovery. In light of Gerken’s impending suspension, that could be a timely development.

“Aidan was training with the other keepers when he dived for a ball and felt some discomfort at the bottom of his back,” said Flynn. “He was feeling better but ruled himself out of the [recent] games.”

If Colchester fail to lodge an appeal against Gerken’s dismissal, which could lead to an automatic three-game ban, then his suspension will commence at the weekend, leaving Davison, if fit, favourite to fill the gloves.