Karleigh Osborne’s involvement at Doncaster Rovers showed Colchester United manager Tony Humes that his new loan signing can make a positive impact during his time with the U’s. Despite having had limited time with his new team-mates before the League One game at the Keepmoat Stadium, Humes was impressed as the 26-year-old made his debut in the heart of the U’s defence. “I thought Karleigh did well,” said Humes. “He looked a bit rusty at times but you expect that as he hasn’t played a lot of football this season. “That game will do him the world of good playing alongside Tom Eastman and getting used to how we play and the boys around him. “He hadn’t had a lot of opportunity to do that, but I thought he did a good job for us. “He is the type of character who is very positive and he’ll give us a lot. “We have to use that in every way that we can.” Osborne’s next opportunity to see Colchester action will come tonight with the visit of Notts County to the Weston Homes Community Stadium. The U’s will test the fitness of several players ahead of the game, with left-back Matt Briggs looking to return after missing Saturday’s action through illness, but Humes felt it may come too soon for Tom Lapslie’s ankle problem and Sammy Szmodic’s bruised foot. Humes said: “Matt (Briggs) took ill on the way up (to Doncaster) and didn’t eat a lot before the game so his energy levels weren’t right for that game. “He was a loss to us as he gives us a natural left-footer on that left side, but he’ll be back for Tuesday I’m sure. “Tom (Lapslie) is touch and go and that’s the same with Sammy Szmodics, but they are a lot better than they were this time last week. “They might be there or thereabouts but it may be a bit early. “We’ll have to assess it before the game. “Alex (Gilbey) is also still managing his ankle injury but he’ll be fine.” For a three-page preview of the U's game with Notts County tonight, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.