On-trial Stratford striker Ben Stephens starts for Town’s U23s in this afternoon’s game against Colchester United at Florence Park (KO 1pm).
As reported three weeks ago, winger-turned-striker Stephens, 20, is spending time training with the Blues, having taken his goal tally for the Evostik South Premier League side to 18 for the season in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Frome.
Stephens, who was previously with Oadby Town and Kettering, was due to spend time with Coventry last week but that trial ultimately didn’t take place.
Also in this afternoon’s side are Barry Cotter, making his first appearance since joining Town from Limerick last week, and Mohammed Sagaf, who has been given the rest of the season to win himself a contract at Portman Road.
Boss Mick McCarthy is among those to have made the short trip to North Essex.
U23s: Wright, McLoughlin, Cotter, Goteni, Clements, Sagaf, Nydam, Stephens, Morris, Drinan, Folami. Subs: El Mizouni, Hayes, McGavin, Dobra, Marshall.
Colchester: Kurasik, Kpekawa, W Wright, Diaz Wright, Rooney, Allarakhia, Gondoh, Dickenson, Issa, Sheriff, Ogedi-Uzokwe. Subs: Collins, Krasniqi, Edge, Wilson.