David Perkins is in line to make his long-awaited Colchester debut in the Carling Cup second-round away clash with derby rivals Ipswich.The midfielder missed the first five games of the season through suspension after his red card during Rochdale's League Two play-off semi-final at the end of last term.

Perkins could replace Kem Izzet, who came off with a knock towards the end of Saturday's 3-1 win at Swindon.

Record-signing Steven Gillespie missed the trip to the County Ground with an ongoing thigh injury and will be checked over closer to kick-off.

Scott Vernon and Clive Platt will continue in attack if Gillespie is ruled out.

Centre-half Pat Baldwin is the U's' only other injury absentee as he recovers from a long-term shoulder problem.

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