Kem Izzet is a doubtful starter for Colchester ahead of the home clash with Walsall.

The midfielder has been laid low with flu so boss Aidy Boothroyd has drafted in West Ham youngster Josh Payne on a month's loan.

Payne or David Fox will step into the midfield if Izzet is ruled out.

Paul Reid is closing in on a return from his long-term kneecap injury but fellow defenders Pat Baldwin (leg) and Lee Beevers (shoulder), winger Ashley Vincent and striker Scott Vernon (both ankle) are out.

Frontmen Steven Gillespie and Joel Thomas scored two apiece for the reserves in midweek, and although the latter had to come off after taking a whack to the head he could make the bench.