THE Kevin Lisbie saga rumbled on yesterday, with Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane insisting that he had heard nothing from Colchester United.

Carl Marston

THE Kevin Lisbie saga rumbled on yesterday, with Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane insisting that he had heard nothing from Colchester United.

U's boss Aidy Boothroyd is keen to sign the 31-year-old goal-poacher on a permanent deal, when the transfer window reopens in January.

However, Keane remains adamant that ex-Charlton man Lisbie will return to Portman Road in the new year. The only issue appears to be whether he will resume his career with Town, or be sold on to another club.

"I've had no contact with Colchester. I know that they've got my phone number,” said Keane.

"Kevin is coming back to the club in January. He's gone away and got sharp and scored a few goals, which was the whole point in him going out on loan in the first place.

"He's a good player, but he had disappointments when he first came here.

“Me coming in, I gave one or two players an opportunity to speak to other clubs,” added Keane.

Lisbie netted his 10th goal of the season on Saturday. It proved to be the match-winner in the U's 1-0 success over Bristol Rovers. His personal haul is all the more impressive when considered that he has spent the bulk of this term on the wing rather than up front.

After the Rovers game, Lisbie admitted: “If I went back there (Ipswich), I'd have to start all over again. They've got new players that I don't know, so I'd rather stay here.”

But Keane reiterated: "He'll be coming back here in January. I said that one or two months ago, and that still stands.

"If you're interested in a player, you should pick up the phone and ask. That's what I would do!”

The Irishman also admitted that there would not be many new recruits when the transfer window reopens.

"I don't know how much money I've got to spend in January, but I already have decent numbers in my squad,” said Keane.

"I have to be very careful about bringing in anymore players on top of what I've already got, because I have a big squad and I don't want to upset that.

"I might have to balance the books and let one or two go if I want to bring in anyone.”