TOM Lapslie’s long-awaited return from injury has come as a boost for Colchester United.

That’s the view of boss Steve Ball, after the tenacious midfielder made his injury comeback in the U’s 1-1 draw with Crawley Town.

Lapslie, who underwent knee surgery in the summer, came on as an 81st-minute substitute for Ben Stevenson in the League Two clash to make his first appearance of the season.

The 25-year-old, who has made more than 150 appearances for the U’s, had been sidelined for the first three months of the season but is now back in the fold – much to Ball’s delight.

Ball said: “It’s brilliant to have Tom back.

“I was going to put him on sooner.

“He’s certainly not 100 per cent and he hasn’t played many minutes, at all.

“He played 60 minutes (for the under-23s) last Saturday which was his first game for a long time.

“But to get Tom back involved is great for us.”

Academy product Billy Cracknell was an unused substitute for Colchester against Crawley, with forward Josh Bohui dropping out of the matchday 18.

U’s boss Ball was forced to shuffle the pack, after skipper Harry Pell was ruled out with a knee injury and Tommy Smith was forced to miss the game after his wife tested positive for Covid-19.

“We got the news about Tommy coming back on the coach from Exeter, last Tuesday,” said Ball.

“Tommy’s wife phoned him to say that she was positive so he’s had to self isolate and follow the guidelines, which is a shame for Tommy.

“Harry Pell has picked up an injury as well, so they are a couple of key players out.

“I adapted the bench a little bit (against Crawley), subject to what happened with us being without Harry (Pell) and Tommy Smith.

“I went with a little bit more cover in that area.”

Defender Omar Sowunmi was handed his first league start for Colchester since February, after coming in for the sidelined Smith in central defence.

Ball added: “It’s really difficult for players when they step into a full league match.

“I thought Omar got into the pace of the game quickly and won most of his headers and contacts.

“I just think the set pieces where we look at Omar as a leader we just need to be a bit better as individuals and as a team.”