Tierney has not played for more than six weeks

Colchester United boss John Ward says defender Marc Tierney is still part of his plans for the club.

The 25-year-old, who has missed the last four games though injury, has been linked with a move away from the Community Stadium in January.

But Ward told BBC Essex: "He's happy to get on and play but unfortunately he's had a knee injury, a slight hamstring problem and a sore throat.

"If he can recover from those problems, we'll consider him for selection."

Tierney was expected to return to the side for the trip to Leyton Orient on Tuesday but the left-back ended up sitting out the 4-2 defeat.

We run this club properly and we just know [our form] is a real disappointment for all of us, as well as the supporters Colchester boss John Ward

"Marc was fine Monday, although he had a slight hamstring problem, and overnight he developed a sore throat," explained Ward.

The defeat by Orient means the U's have gone four league games without a win and dropped to 11th in League One.

But Ward insists there will be no knee-jerk reaction.

"We're fine. I'm not going to get uptight and I'm not going to rip them off and bring them in for the next 24 hours," he said.

"We run this club properly and we just know that's a real disappointment for all of us as well as the supporters."

Meanwhile, striker Liam Henderson will not be extending his loan at the club.

The 21-year-old, who made one start and eight substitute appearances during his two-month spell with the U's, has returned to parent club Watford.

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