COLCHESTER United are hoping Ben Stevenson will be fit to return for their home clash with Forest Green Rovers tonight (7pm kick-off).

The U's playmaker missed his side's 3-2 defeat at Carlisle United last weekend, with a groin injury.

Stevenson had previously featured in each of Colchester's opening five fixtures in League Two, prior to missing the trip to Brunton Park.

U's head coach Steve Ball told BBC Essex: "Ben got a slight groin tweak on Thursday, in training.

"It's similar to Harry Pell's the other week but not as bad, hopefully.

"We're possibly looking at Ben for Tuesday night - we'll see how he reacts."

Colchester are looking to bounce back tonight, after suffering their first league defeat of the season last Saturday.

The U's lie 14th in the table and face a Forest Green side who are fourth and boast one of only two remaining unbeaten records, in League Two.

Mark Cooper's side have won three and drawn three of their opening six matches, in the league.

Colchester have conceded seven goals in their last three matches and boss Ball wants them to be tighter defensively tonight.

"It's a learning curve for all of us, for the younger players, for the senior players," said Ball.

"It's just that element of game management, when we are under pressure and we are conceding needless set-pieces or throws.

"You know 30 yards out that it's going to be coming into our box and teams will come at us at that side of the game, this year.

"We've got a young right-back in Miquel (Scarlett) who's going to have to deal with the physical side of it.

"I'm going to keep giving these young players opportunities to play home and away and test themselves physically.

"Miquel will come away from that with a big learning curve on how to combat some of the physical stuff but he's a big player for the future.

"But all round, we have to be better defensively."

Luke Norris will be hoping to make his first league home start of the season tonight, following his brace at Carlisle.

Ball added: "If Luke can get on a run of goals now, then that's great for him and the team.

"Part of our frustration in the first half (at Carlisle) was the link play wasn't quite there and Nos will be the first to say that.

"But the longer the game wore on he becomes more in the game and gets his goals.

"He wins and scores the penalty and that's pleasing for Luke."