Boss Mick McCarthy says he was happy to extend Elliott Hewitt’s loan spell with Colchester into a third month. The Wales U21 international could now remain with the League One side until January 17th, although McCarthy knows he’s match fit and available should he need him back at Portman Road.
"I’ve extended it but I haven’t really because he’s got 24 hours’ notice to come back and that’s always been the case,” McCarthy said.
"While he’s playing I’m happy for him to be playing games. He’s not going to come back and get in the team, he’ll probably come and sit in the stand and there’s no point in him doing that.
"And I do know that if I need him, he’s been playing games and he’s fit and ready to go.”
The Town boss confirmed that talks have started with Port Vale regarding the permanent signing of Swiss defender Freddie Veseli, who is currently on loan at Vale Park.
"Yes, and I hope they do because his future’s not here, it’s elsewhere,” he added. "Freddie knows that and if we can move him on to Port Vale and they can benefit from it, then great.”
Veseli is out of contract with Town at the end of the season and is almost certainly available on a free transfer.