Colchester United Vs Southampton, Mon 28 Dec 2009

Colchester will check on Steven Gillespie ahead of the visit of Southampton.

The striker was handed his first start of the season at Southend on Boxing Day ahead of Kevin Lisbie, who is due back at parent club Ipswich in the new year.

Gillespie, who has been plagued by hamstring trouble since joining the Us 18 months ago, pulled up in the second half at Roots Hall and was taken off as a precaution to be replaced by Lisbie.

Another forward, Kayode Odejayi, misses out following the end of his loan spell from Barnsley but he will seal a permanent switch to the Community Stadium on January 1 and will be available against Preston in the FA Cup next week.

Scott Vernon (knee), Lee Beevers (shoulder) and Ashley Vincent (ankle) are still sidelined.

Adam Lallana is an injury doubt for Southampton.

The winger picked up a knock during the 3-1 Boxing Day win over Exeter and had to be replaced by Joseph Mills.

Boss Alan Pardew rested experienced defender Radhi Jaidi and he should be restored to the line-up, possibly at the expense of fellow veteran Chris Perry.

First-choice goalkeeper and club captain Kelvin Davis has been on the bench for the past two matches after a spell out with a groin injury.

The problem is still affecting Davis' kicking, and with deputy Bartosz Bialkowski performing well there is no need to rush him back.

Full-back Graeme Murty is out until the end of January with an ankle injury.

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