Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has said he is open to Elliott Hewitt extending his loan spell with Colchester United.

The 20-year-old right-back has made four starts for the U's since joining them on a month's loan from Town, on October 6.

U's boss Tony Humes said last week that he would like to talk to McCarthy about keeping Hewitt for longer than his original loan spell.

And McCarthy has hinted he would be happy for the Wales under-21 international to stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium for a further period.

McCarthy said: “That’s why I let him go off to Colchester.

"We’ve had him watched, he’s doing OK but at least I know if I have any problems after the 28 days I have a recall.

"I won’t recall him unless I need him but he’ll be ready to go.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, including Karl Duguid on his departure from the U's, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.