Dan Holman is set to feature in Colchester United’s under-21 clash at Crystal Palace this afternoon.

The U’s striker is yet to start for his new club in a competitive fixture following his summer arrival from Braintree Town.

Holman appeared as a second-half substitute in Colchester’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Doncaster Rovers, last weekend.

However, U’s boss Joe Dunne feels he needs more game time and Holman is set to play against Palace in the Professional Development League Two clash at Tooting and Mitcham FC (kick-off 2pm).

Drey Wright and Josh Thompson are also set to feature in the game, following their recent injuries.

Dunne said: “They’re going to need a couple more games and certainly one or two more training sessions.

“Sanchez played for 90 minutes (at Sheffield United) and I’m pleased that he went that long.

“It shows his attitude and that he wants to get back into this team, which is great.”

Colchester are looking for their first win in the division since returning to the league after their academy successfully secured Category Two status.

They drew 0-0 with Sheffield United in the opening game in the league, last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Dunne has stressed that it is important that they strike the right balance with the teams their field in the under-21 academy league.

The U’s predominantly want to use the division to help their youngsters flourish in a competitive environment.

But Dunne also wants to use the league as an opportunity to field any senior players who need match fitness, such as Holman and Sanchez Watt.

Dunne added: “I generally like the under-21s to be about the under-21s.

“I think we should let as many young players learn from their mistakes.

“But we may have to use one or two of these games to bring back one or two of our players, because we’re so stretched at the moment that we’re not in a position to organise a reserve game.

“We have to be careful with what we do.”

For three pages of Colchester United coverage, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.