Colchester United manager Tony Humes is plotting to raid the loan market in a bid to bolster his squad.

The U’s boss is running the rule over potential new signings, with a new forward likely to be at the top of his list.

Jabo Ibehre is likely to be sidelined for at least another week with a knee injury.

And with Colchester having struggled for goals so far this season, the arrival of a new loan striker could be imminent.

Humes said: “We’re looking at potential possibilities and we’re always looking to strengthen things as much as we can.

“But we’ll only do it if we think the player is right and he fits into what we’re trying to do.

“We’ll have a look but we have to make sure it’s the right person and he won’t block the pathway of our younger players.

“With Saturday-Tuesday games coming up, there’s always a possibility of injuries and players missing out.

“It’s just a case of being aware of the players who are out there.”

For more on this story and a three-page preview of Colchester United's game at Leyton Orient, including full interviews with Tony Humes and Sanchez Watt and a brand new U's team picture, see Friday's Daily Gazette.