Connor O’Riordan will be given ‘every chance’ to take part in Saturday’s clash with Colchester United.

That’s according to Manager Lee Bell, who said the big defender is ‘tough’ and could shake off a calf problem in time.

O’Riordan was withdrawn at half-time of Crewe Alexandra’s 2-2 draw at AFC Wimbledon last weekend but has been working with medical staff since.

Bell said: “We will give Connor every opportunity to be involved. He’s a tough lad so we will see how he is today (Thursday) and tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Bell gave updates on forward Shilow Tracey, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, and midfielder Charlie Colkett, who is yet to feature this term after suffering a hamstring strain in the final pre-season fixture.

Bell added: “Shilow is progressing nicely. This weekend’s game will probably come too soon for him because he still has discomfort in his ankle.

“It’s nothing serious, he’s been for a scan and the healing is taking place. It’ll be good to get him back but it will probably be next week now. 

“It was good to see Charlie play (for the Under-21s in midweek). The challenge for all of us is to get him on the pitch more often than not and get him a run of games building up to being involved in the first team.”