Lisbie's Colchester future in doubt

Stuart Watson

KEVIN Lisbie's Colchester United future has been thrown into doubt after manager Aidy Boothroyd signalled his intentions to sign Kayode Odejayi and John-Joe O'Toole on a permanent basis.

Barnsley striker Odejayi and Watford midfielder O'Toole have been a key part of the U's surge to third place in League One in recent weeks, but see their temporary deals run out on December 19 and 31 respectively.

And while Boothroyd has previously signalled his desire to extend their loans until the end of the season, he is now hoping to sort out permanent transfers for the pair when the January transfer window opens.

Nigerian striker Odejayi - who has scored seven goals in 12 appearances - appears surplus to requirements at his parent club at present, while Watford may be willing to cash in on 21-year-old midfielder O'Toole to finance other deals.

“If I could do permanent deals I would like that, but it all depends on budget,” said Boothroyd, when asked about the pair.

“I think Robbie (Cowling - Colchester chairman and owner) has put his money where his mouth is on more than one occasion though so I won't be going to him asking for a lot of money.”

The latter comments put a question mark over the future of Colchester's other key loanee - Kevin Lisbie - who has been told by his parent club Ipswich Town that he will be recalled for sale in January.

The striker-turned-winger has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for the U's this season and has always been candid about his desire to remain at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Ipswich manager Roy Keane says that a number of clubs have shown interest in the 31-year-old though and, if the U's choose to purchase O'Toole and Odejayi, they may not wish to push the boat out and enter a bidding war for Lisbie.

That situation could, of course, change if the U's receive a substantial windfall from the Norwich City compensation row in the New Year.