MARK Cousins should sign a new contract at Colchester United, within the next couple of weeks.

Keeper Cousins, a product of the U’s youth team, made 26 outings last season before playing second fiddle to Chelsea loanee Sam Walker during the second half of the campaign.

U’s boss Joe Dunne would love to re-sign Walker, for next term, but the Irishman is also keen to keep Cousins – the 26-year-old was offered a new contract, with defender John White, earlier this month.

“I’d like to stay, and something should be sorted out in the next fortnight,” revealed Cousins.

“I’ve been at the club for quite a while now, and I am settled. I’m comfortable with the club, and I think the club is comfortable with me.

“Last season was a difficult one for everyone, especially when I was playing in the team during the first few months.

“There was a lot of chopping and changing, especially after the new manager came in.

“But I think we have all learnt from the experience, and will be better for it next season.

“The squad became more settled later in the season, but it was still a terrific achievement to avoid relegation, especially after losing nine games in a row.”

Cousins has struggled to hold down a regular place in the U’s side, since graduating from the Academy to make his senior debut back in the summer of 2007.

The Chelmsford-born custodian was handed the No.1 shirt last term, following Ben Williams’ switch to Hibernian, and was ever-present for the first 19 games of this season.

But he lost his place to Charlton loanee John Sullivan in November, in the wake of the FA Cup defeat at Chelmsford City, and again found himself on the bench following Walker’s arrival from Stamford Bridge.

“I want to stay and fight for my place next season,” added Cousins.