Will Hoskins could be on the comeback trail with Colchester United.

The former Albion striker has been training with the League Two outfit and played for their under-23s against Derby on Monday.

He has not as yet been offered a contract but is said to be “chomping at the bit” to get back into the Football League.

Hoskins’ time with the Seagulls was blighted by injury problems, allowing him just six league starts in three years.

He then had stints at Oxford and Exeter, who released him last summer.

His last competitive match dates back to the Grecians’ FA Cup tie with Liverpool in January.

Colchester under-23s coach Wayne Brown said: “He’s chomping at the bit to try and earn a contract but ,at the moment, he’s a bit short of fitness. He has been around for a while and we know he’s got quality.”

Hoskins played the first 71 minutes of the 2-2 against Derby at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in the Premier League Cup .

Colchester have a vacancy for a striker in the absence of experienced Chris Porter and hope Hoskins fits the bill.

Hoksins could get another chance to shine against Crystal Palace on Monday.