TEAMtalk

Exeter v Colchester preview

Friday 30-March-2012 10:17

Exeter's injury problems appear to be clearing up.

Striker Jamie Cureton has missed the Grecians' last two matches because of an Achilles problem but the 36-year-old is set to return to the matchday squad to face the U's, while defender Richard Duffy could be in contention for a recall following his recovery from a groin operation.

Full-back Billy Jones has overcome his thigh injury and will be available to manager Paul Tisdale, who will also be able to call on new signing Alan Gow.

The former Plymouth Argyle and Notts County winger has now received international clearance after his move from East Bengal in India and the Scot could feature this weekend.

Colchester hope captain Kem Izzet will have recovered from illness in time for their trip to Devon.

The midfielder was ruled out of Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Walsall on the morning of the game having come down with a sickness bug that has affected several of the club's coaching staff over recent weeks.

Martin Rowlands (groin) also missed the defeat, which ended the U's nine-match unbeaten run, and he will again be on the sidelines.

Andy Bond and Kayode Odejayi came into manager John Ward's XI at Walsall and, should Izzet make it, both will compete for one spot, along with Ashley Vincent after he impressed off the bench in midweek.

Ward could be tempted to make changes against the Grecians on the back of a hectic March period, with Matt Heath expected to replace the rested Tom Eastman at the heart of defence.