SAM Walker handed Colchester United a double boost, on a perfect weekend for the Essex club.

Giant keeper Walker saved Kevin Lisbie’s 78th minute penalty, to ensure the U’s held on for a precious three points with a 2-1 home win over Leyton Orient.

This hard-earned victory, combined with defeats for relegation rivals Scunthorpe and Oldham, has opened up a gap of six points between the U’s and the relegation zone, with four games remaining.

And after the game, Chelsea loanee Walker revealed that he was in initial talks with the U’s, over a possible return on loan next season.

“I’ve really, really enjoyed it at Colchester. I’ve really taken to the club, and it seems the fans have taken to me,” enthused 6ft 5ins Walker.

“I’m playing well. I’m happy with my form. It’s the best it’s been, and I hope to keep it up until the end of the season to contribute to keeping the club in this league.

“I’ve still got a year left on my contract at Chelsea, so we will have a chat at the end of the season.

“It will probably be a case of coming back on loan next year, again.

“There has been some preliminary talks of me coming back here (to Colchester), although nothing is set in stone yet,” added Walker.

Referring to his key second-half penalty save, to thwart Colchester old boy Lisbie, 21-year-old Walker continued: “It was a decent penalty.

“It was hard and low, as strikers are taught to do, but it was lucky I guessed the right way and got down there.

“They don’t come around very often, penalty saves, so it’s nice when they do, especially in these circumstances.

“We’ve got some breathing space now, although it’s still not over yet, as the manager has told us. And we as players know that,” concluded Walker.