Colchester United release Elito, Corcoran and Knudsen

Elito last featured for Colchester in the Carling Cup in August

Colchester United manager John Ward is set to release midfielders Medy Elito and Sam Corcoran and defender Morten Knudsen at the end of the season.

The trio's details have been circulated to other clubs and they will train with the U's until the end of the campaign.

Ward told the club's website: "I've sat down and spoken to them and said that they can all go to other clubs.

"Having taken on boys from the youth team for next season they need space to move on and develop next year."

Elito, 21, has had loan spells with Dagenham and Redbridge and Cheltenham this season and 20-year-old Corcoran was at Lowestoft Town for a month earlier this year.

Norwegian full-back Knudsen, 24, has not started a first team game for Colchester this season.

Ward continued: "I have to admit I don't like this part of the job, because it is something that affects livelihoods and careers.

"But you just have to say it as it is. These lads might go somewhere and prove me wrong and if they manage to do that, I would pick the phone up and wish them well for the future."

The U's are currently 12th in the League One table with two games remaining. They travel to Yeovil on Saturday before hosting Bristol Rovers on 7 May.