Former Sunderland defender Tommy Smith could be close to finding a new club after going on trial at League Two side Colchester United.
Smith joined Sunderland in February on a free transfer after Bailey Wright's injury at Oxford United ruled him out for the rest of the season.
But as the former Ipswich Town stalwart started to build his fitness the season was suspended and ultimately curtailed due to COVID-19. It meant Smith failed to make a single appearance for the Black Cats as he was released from his contract in May.
But Smith, 30, has been training with Colchester United - where Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson started his managerial career - and played for them in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Gillingham this week.
He could line-up for the Kent side again next Tuesday, when Steve Ball's side play two back-to-back 75- minute friendlies against his former side Ipswich.
Smith spent 11 years with the Tractor Boys, making over 250 appearances.
It's not known if Colchester will ultimately make the plunge to offer him a contract, but it's a positive step for the centre-back in his pursuit to find a new club after his unfortunate and short-lived spell at the Stadium of Light.
