Simon Hackney is fit, ready, willing and presumably able to serve the Colchester cause once more after boss Aidy Boothroyd recalled the left winger from a successful loan spell at League Two Morecombe.
The 26-yaer-old goes straight into the weekend`s squad for the upcoming game away at Hartlepool and is a surprise contender for firs XI selection. The club activated his 24-hour call-back option after injury to John-Joe O`Toole and Anthony Wordsworth`s ongoing suspension left them slightly short in midfield.
It means the previously hard up Hackney could be thrust into unexpectedly the limelight, having lost his starting place this season, as previously assured by now Norwich City boss, Paul Lambert.
In a statement Boothroyd said he faced a choice between drafting in either the more experienced Hackney or young gun, Medy Elito, who is currently being schooled at Cheltenham.
“Simon has been in this situation before, getting to the play-offs with Carlisle, and he’s done well at Morecambe. But he’s our player and we need him – he can play a massive part in the final four games for us,” said the Colchester manager on the official website, taking positives from the negative as his side face do-or-die time.
Hackney scored once in eight outings during his League Two stay but now looks set to feature in Colchester colours for the first time since the U`s played Preston in this year`s F.A. Cup.
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Good to hear, well done Aidy! We’ve been playing more football lately, particulay at home, so hopefuly he’ll fit in – he’s got to take his chance to have a future with us I think…!
Fox and Hackers to play on Saturday? Would like to see, although doubt away from home! Exciting to get a bit of a change and use the sqaud, not just an XI!
With Vincent on the right and Hackney on the left thats a lot of width and a lot of pace – exactly what we need!
Too true, OJJ! Pace over plunder.
Vincent on the right, Hackney on the left- just how we started the season – now get Fox back in the middle….!
Well, greatness is about being great over and over again. Otherwise the season should have ended when we beat Norwich 7-1 on the first day of the season. What I mean is that Fox, Hackney and Vincent proved they could beat the best in League One on one day of the year – it just happened to be at the start – but it obviously isn’t enough. Still, the pair of wingers have pace, and both of them have been missing for us for one reason or another this season. Interesting selection choices for Aidy to ponder!