Colchester United manager Tony Humes plans to speak to Ipswich Town this week about extending defender Elliott Hewitt’s stay with the club.

The attacking right-back has started the U’s last five games after joining them on a month’s loan from Town, at the beginning of the month.

Hewitt’s loan spell with Colchester is due to expire following their home game against Port Vale, on Saturday.

But U’s boss Humes is keen to extend the defender’s stint with the club past this weekend.

Humes said: “We’re pleased with Elliott and we’ll have a discussion with Ipswich.

“We’ll see if we can further his loan, if Ipswich are happy with that.

“It depends on their situation and whether they have injuries.

“Elliott has been playing first-team football for us whereas he wasn’t really figuring in Ipswich’s 18 that much.

“We’ve known him for two or three years through the academy system and we’ve always liked him as a player.

“He fits how we try and play the game and it’s an opportunity for him to get some first-team football.

“It benefits Ipswich but it also benefits us.

“I think it’s something that we can take forward, depending on Ipswich and what decision they make.

“If we can extend it, we’ll be looking into doing that.”

Humes has already received assurances from Cardiff City manager Russell Slade about the future of another of his loanees, Rhys Healey.

The teenage striker has been in impressive form for Colchester since joining them on a three-month loan from the Bluebirds, in September.

“We’ve got Rhys until December 15 I think and we’re hopeful he’ll stay until then,” said Humes.

“I spoke to Russell Slade last week and he was quite happy with Rhys being here at the minute and we have to keep that going.

“But I did say to Russell that I’m really pleased with Rhys.

“He has a lot of learning to do but it’s a great place for him to continue his development and we’d like to keep him for as long as possible.”

Meanwhile, Humes has hinted Dominic Vose is in contention for a return to the first-team squad following Drey Wright’s injury.

Wright has been ruled out for the rest of the season and the likes of Vose and Dion Sembie-Ferris are in contention to take his place, according to Humes.

“It’s something we’ll look at - we have to consider all possibilities and Dom is one of them.

“But we’ll be looking to get someone in on loan who’s a natural wide player.”

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