The recent emergence of Tom Lapslie to league football contributed to Craig Eastmond’s exit from Colchester United, according to boss Tony Humes.

Former Arsenal midfielder Eastmond parted company with the U’s earlier this week, after having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

Eastmond had struggled to hold down a regular place in Colchester’s line-up this season, starting only six League One games.

However, he regained his place in the U’s side for two matches at the end of December, scoring their winner in a 1-0 win at Yeovil Town.

But Eastmond did not feature for Colchester in 2015 - with the form of teenager Lapslie a key factor in him being omitted from the squad.

Humes said: “We wanted to give Craig the opportunity to re-start his career.

“He got himself back in the team and did well and then his performance dropped a bit.

“We changed it around a bit and that’s the benefit of having players coming into a team.

“And with the introduction of Tom Lapslie, we felt it was the best decision all round to allow Craig to leave.

“We’ve known Tom for four or five years and he always give everything.

“You never quite know until you give young players the chance to show what they can do.

“But we have been very pleased with Tom in the under-21 environment and now the senior team.

“He’s done exactly what I’d hoped he would do.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.