Colchester United manager John Ward says he is under no pressure to put loan players into his starting line-up as he ponders his team for tomorrow’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

The return of Ipswich Town loanee Tommy Smith, following his international duty for New Zealand this week, has given a selection dilemma.

Smith played in the 1-0 defeat at Tranmere for Colchester two weeks ago and Ward has to decide whether or not to bring him straight back in.

Smith played in New Zealand’s 1-1 friendly draw against China last Friday, but Ward said he is under no pressure from the Kiwi’s home club boss – Ipswich manager Paul Jewell – to automatically select him during his time with the U’s.

Ward said: “The good managers like Paul Jewell say that they would like their loan players to play but if doesn’t work out, that’s fine."

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