JOE Jacobson says he hopes to be in contention for Bristol Rovers' trip to Colchester United this weekend after tasting his first action since the summer.

The left-back had been sidelined after damaging knee ligaments in pre-season, but played 80 minutes of a reserve team friendly at Cardiff City yesterday.

And with Rovers already likely to be missing two defenders for Saturday's clash in Essex, Jacobson is optimistic he can be included in the squad.

The Welsh Under-21 skipper captained a young, second-string Pirates team, who went down 2-0 to a more experienced Cardiff outfit.

He said: "I was pleased with the time that I played because I was expecting to do about an hour, but managed a bit longer.

"I felt good in the first half and for most of the second, although my lungs caught up with me towards the end.

"It was just good to be back playing again in a game where there was some competition.

"I've only been back in full training three or four days so I so still have things to catch up on.

"I was a bit wary of my ankle over the first few days, but you forget about it when you're playing in a match. It's felt great and I'd say it's back to 100 per cent.

"My plan was to get a reserve team game in this week and then hopefully be available for Saturday.

"It's up to the manager to decide whether he thinks I'm ready or not."

Jacobson's return to action could come at a good time for his country as well as Rovers.

He – and striker Josh Klein-Davies – have both been called up to the Welsh Under-21s for their UEFA Championship clash with England at Ninian Park on October 10. The return match takes place at Villa Park four days later.

"We have two tough games coming up against England, but those are the sort of matches you want to be part of," said Jacobson. "It's another reason why I wanted to play in the reserve game to get myself match fit."

Coach Paul Trollope said Jacobson may well travel to Colchester, although it could be too early to include him in the matchday squad.

"I'm not ruling it out, but I'd be surprised to see him in the 16," said Trollope.

Central defender Steve Elliott could face an uphill battle if he is to overcome the dead leg injury he picked up against Crewe last weekend in time for the Colchester game.

"Steve was still sore after what was quite an extensive dead leg injury. He is touch and go," said Trollope.

Goals from John Brown and Josh McGuinness sealed Cardiff's victory yesterday.

Bristol Rovers (4-4-2): M Green; Parrinello, Kite, Harwood, Jacobson (sub White, 81); Groves, Harper, Clough, Mahdi; Klein-Davies, Hunt.