MARK Cooper is hoping that new signing Harry Toffolo will be the cure to his defensive headache when Town face Colchester on Saturday.

Midfielder Yaser Kasim was asked to step in to fill a gap in the back against Rochdale on Tuesday night with Nathan Thompson serving a two match ban, Raphael Branco injured and Brad Smith recalled by Liverpool.

Town chairman Lee Power responded quickly to the sudden departure of the Australian international by bringing in the versatile Norwich youngster.

The County Ground boss had hoped to introduce the former England age group youngster to the home fans on Tuesday night but the way the game panned out made him alter his plans.

“He is very quick and has got a good left foot,” said Cooper.

“I wanted to get him on (against Rochdale), but I had to make a substitution earlier than I should have done.

“We had to change it and put a forward on instead.

“He will be involved on Saturday, he will play some part in the game.

“I think it is good he has seen how we play for a couple of days and he has had a watching brief (on Tuesday) and that will benefit him for when he plays a part on Saturday.”