KEVIN Lisbie feels like he is being used as a “piece of meat” by Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane.

Back page story

By Carl Marston

KEVIN Lisbie feels like he is being used as a “piece of meat” by Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane.

Front-runner Lisbie, who has been on loan at Colchester United from Ipswich since the summer, is set to be recalled by Town in January. They have a call-back option.

The indications are that Lisbie is being recalled to be sold to another club, rather than to resurrect his career at Portman Road.

But Lisbie, who celebrates his 31st birthday today, is adamant that he wants to stay at Colchester. And he would also like Keane to get in contact with him.

“I see that he (Keane) has said that there are a few clubs interested in me, but the problem is that I'd like him to speak to me first,” insisted Lisbie last night.

“I'd like him to call me. Roy has not spoken to me yet, so I knew nothing about this recalling me. It's a horrible way to find out.

“I think he should have spoken to me first. To be honest, I feel like a piece of meat.

“I want to stay at Colchester, because I've never been promoted with a club before, and I think that Colchester have a good chance of being promoted this season.

“That's why I want to see the season through at Colchester. That situation hasn't changed, “added Lisbie.

While Town are struggling at the foot of the Championship table, and are still searching for their first league victory of the season, the U's are third in League One and unbeaten in seven games under new manager Aidy Boothroyd.

Furthermore Lisbie, who scored 17 goals during his first stay at Colchester during their fateful second season in the Championship (2007-08), is also leading the way with six goals for the U's this term.

Lisbie's impressive form has alerted other clubs, probably from the Championship, which is why Town might be looking to cash in on a player who cost them �600,000 from Colchester in the summer of 2008.

Keane revealed at yesterday's Portman Road press conference: “Kevin (Lisbie) will be coming back in January. We have had plenty of enquiries for him.

“He had a chance to go on loan, fancied it and that was it. But he'll be back here in January, whether he likes it or not.”

Judging by what he said to the EADT last night, Lisbie it not relishing the idea:

“He (Keane) sent me out on loan without even seeing me play one game!” rued Lisbie.

“So it wasn't obviously a footballing reason, perhaps it was a personal one, I don't know. But he never saw me play.

“I want to speak to the manager here (Boothroyd). I feel settled at Colchester, and I won't go somewhere I don't want to go,” added Lisbie.