Lambert: Stevie G Can Be Vital!

Paul Lambert believes Colchester striker Steven Gillespie ‘can still be an important player’ for the U’s this season.

Gillespie, who signed from Cheltenham Town, in a club-record deal, last summer, has missed the majority of the season through injury. However, Lambert is confident he can avoid injury for the rest of the season and be vital for the U’s.

He said: ‘It must have been massively frustrating for Steven so far.

‘He is a terrific lad and it has been just as frustrating for me, because when he has played, he has always created chances for himself and the team and he can still be an important player for us this season.

‘He came here for a heck of a lot of money and he hasn’t had many chances to prove himself in the team,’ Lambert continued.

‘But when he’s in the side, he is a danger to the opposition. The ball just seems to come to him and if we can keep him fit, he will be a threat for us.’