FIVE Colchester United players to keep an eye on during tomorrow's clash at Layer Road. 1. Aidan Davidson Vastly experienced goalkeeper who joined after the summer departures of Simon Brown and Richard McKinney. Having played in the top flight for Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City, Aidan arrived as the new number one at Layer Road as well as taking on a coaching capacity to develop the career of young shot stopper Dean Gerken. Season 2004/05 Making 39 appearances during his first season at Colchester United, Aidan's experience proved to be crucial as the U's defence did so well during the past year. A dependable player between the sticks, the north easterner will also have been delighted to see Dean step into the first team with such ease. 2. Greg Halford Greg Halford's emergence into the first team towards the end of the 2003/4 season was the icing on the cake of a highly successful season. The teenage defender had stepped into the right back berth and made a huge impact in the final few games, not only by defending well, but also showing creativity going forwards and scoring goals too. Season 2004/5 Greg's season can only be described as 'fantasy football'. Having started the season at right back, he made the move forward in the Tranmere game and went on to score six in nine up front, including a hat-trick against Rushden. He then went on to play in both central and right midfield, hitting high standards in both positions. And it was to get even better. Having been called up to the England U20s squad, Greg made his international debut against Portugal, before scoring in the game against Korea. His performances should see him a regular with the national teams from now on. 4. Neil Danns Bustling midfielder signed on a month's loan at the start of September to cover the U's injury worries in that part of the team, returning in December to sign permanently. Neil has previously had loan spells at Hartlepool and Blackpool and will bring plenty of experience at this level to the Colchester midfield. Season 2004/05 Dannsy can consider himself unlucky not to have picked up any of the Player of the Year awards after a hugely impressive season. He scored twelve goals during the course of the season and is now a massive favourite with the Colchester United supporters. His energy in midfield is crucial to the team's success. 10. Kemal Izzet Twice named Young Player of the Year, Kem is due to begin his fourth full season with Colchester United having originally signed from Charlton Athletic at the end of the 2000/1 campaign. A bustling midfielder whose tenacity belies his stature, he is one of the first names on the U's team sheet under the management of Phil Parkinson. Season 2004/05 Like Karl Duguid, Kem endured an immensely frustrating season as a serious ankle injury kept him out for all bar four games. His tenacious tackling was missed during the campaign and, having returned for the final game of the season against Torquay, he will be hoping to secure a regular spot once again in 2005/06. 11. Chris Iwelumo Bustling centre forward signed in the summer after returning to English football after a spell in Germany. Previously with Brighton and Stoke, Iwelumo almost joined the Reds under Gudjon Thordarson's tenure.
