Elliott Hewitt has today been recalled from his loan spell at Colchester United by parent club Ipswich Town.

The 20-year-old, who originally joined the U's last October from their East Anglian rivals, has returned to the Championship club.

Hewitt, who played in both right-back and right-midfield roles during his time at Colchester, made 24 appearances during his stint at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

U's boss Tony Humes said: "We hoped we would have Elliott for the remainder of the season but Ipswich have taken him back for their run-in.

"He's done a great job in a couple of positions for us and we wish him well for the future.

“Elliott has done well.

"He still has to learn the finer points of defending and there is still a lot of development to do.

"But he’s done well for us in every position he’s played for us."

Hewitt's departure could pave the way for Sean Clohessy to be recalled from the wilderness for the U's final eight games of the season.

Clohessy has not featured for the U's since reacting angrily to be substituted in their 2-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers, last month.

Colchester's cover in the full-back positions has been reduced, following Hewitt's departure and Matt Briggs' impending one-match suspension, following his red card at Gillingham last weekend.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.