Tony Humes admits new Colchester United signing Owen Garvan still needs more match time.

But the U’s boss was pleased with the midfielder’s contribution following his debut against Scunthorpe United.

Garvan came on as a half-time substitute for Joe Edwards in Colchester’s 2-2 draw with the Iron, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The former Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace player helped his new club salvage a point from the game.

Garvan, who has joined the U’s until January on a short-term deal, had not previously played a competitive match for nearly a year.

But Humes was nevertheless impressed with the impact that the Irishman in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch for Colchester.

Humes said: “Owen did well when he came on.

“He needs match fitness but he showed that he’s a quality player.

“He added something to us when he came on.”

For five pages of coverage of the U’s game with Scunthorpe United, see Monday’s Daily Gazette.