COLCHESTER United are still awaiting confirmation from the EFL on whether or not Theo Robinson will be eligible to feature in their League Two play-off semi-final against Exeter City.

The U’s have had discussions with Robinson’s parent club Southend United on the striker featuring for John McGreal’s side in their two-legged contest with the Grecians.

And Blues are more than happy for the striker to stay on with their Essex neighbours.

Robinson, who is out of contract at Roots Hall this summer, saw his loan spell at the Community Stadium end last month.

But the U’s are hoping that they will secure permission for the former Watford youngster to feature in the play-offs.

Colchester host Exeter in the first leg of the semi-final next Thursday (June 18) in a tea-time showdown at the JobServe Community Stadium.

And they make the long trip down to Devon for the second leg on Monday, June 22.

It would be a big boost for the U’s to have their leading scorer Robinson, who has scored 12 goals this season, for the semi-finals.

Colchester boss McGreal said: “We’re still talking.

“We’re still waiting for ratification on loans from the EFL and waiting to hear what they say.

“In the circumstances we’re in, it’s been a long drawn out process.”

Last month, Robinson signed off from his temporary spell at Colchester by saying his farewells on social media.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Just like to say thank you to @ColU_Official for time had there on loan staff and teammates been a pleasure in short space of time thanks to the fans brilliant as always from day one all the best in future #playoffs #topgoalscorer'

The EFL's rules on loan players featuring in the proposed League Two play-offs in the wake of the coronavirus disruption to the campaign are as yet unclear.

But if Robinson, who is due to see his contract at Southend expire this summer, is permitted to play it would be a big boost for Colchester and their chances of securing promotion if the play-offs are rubber-stamped.

The 31-year-old, who has also played for the likes of Derby County and Watford, has made 32 league and cup appearances for the U's since joining them on loan from Southend, last August.

Meanwhile, Colchester are hoping to play a friendly this weekend, as they continue their preparations for the play-off semi-final against Exeter.

U’s boss McGreal is keen to see his side get some competitive action under their belt, before their first leg against the Grecians next Thursday.