Flitcroft faces selection dilemma ahead of Mansfield’s clash with Colchester

Posted Thursday, August 16, 2018 by PA

Mansfield boss David Flitcroft has given himself some tough selection questions ahead of the Sky Bet League Two clash with Colchester.

The Stags made four changes for the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Accrington, which saw them romp to a 6-1 win as on-loan Nottingham Forest striker Tyler Walker hit a first-half hat-trick.

Midfielders Jacob Mellis and Calum Butcher will be hoping to retain their places, while forward Danny Rose – linked with a move to Peterborough before the transfer deadline – marked his first appearance of the new season with a goal.

Defender Ryan Sweeney is expected to come back into contention having been rested after suffering a concussion in the last league match against Yeovil.

Colchester are hoping the squad has now recovered from a virus which hit the training ground last week.

Several U’s players were not able to train ahead of the Carabao Cup tie at Cheltenham, which was lost on penalties. Left-back Kane Vincent-Young was one of those who fell ill, and he missed the trip to Whaddon Road.

Tom Eastman, Mikael Mandron, Brandon Comley, Aaron Collins and Luke Norris all came into the side but head coach John McGreal could freshen things up again for the league game.

Midfielder Sammie Szmodics and forward Frank Nouble are both expected to be involved after coming off the bench on Tuesday night.