KEMI Izzet has called upon the Colchester United boo-boys to show a little more patience tonight.The U's were booed off the field by a significant number of the crowd when they trailed 1-0 to Carlisle at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last Tuesday.

Stuart Watson

KEMI Izzet has called upon the Colchester United boo-boys to show a little more patience tonight.

The U's were booed off the field by a significant number of the crowd when they trailed 1-0 to Carlisle at the Weston Homes Community Stadium last Tuesday.

Fans also voiced their displeasure at manager Aidy Boothroyd's decision to take off striker Steven Gillespie in the second half, however it was all smiles at the end when super sub Kayode Odejayi netted an injury-time winner.

Boothroyd declared his disappointment with the home support in Tuesday night's post-match interview, a view that is shared by long-serving U's midfielder Izzet.

“They turned a little bit on Tuesday, which was a little bit disappointing to see, but fans will be fans,” said Izzet, who has been critical of the Colchester support in the past.

“We were really disappointed with the first-half display because we didn't play nearly as well as we should have done.

“It's up to us to put in a better performance, but all I can say is that it really helps when they get behind us.

“At home, because it's not packed full, you are very aware of the crowd. You can hear more of the individual voices.

“You are aware of it but you have to put it to the back of your head and do what the manager has asked you to do.

“I'm here to do my job and if they like it, they like it; if they don't, they don't. I do think they need to show a little bit more patience though.

“They need to understand that, with the pitch the way it is, we are having to play percentage football at the moment. As much as the pitch is not an excuse, there are areas where you can pass the ball and other areas where you can't.”

Izzet looked like he might be dislodged from the starting line-up earlier this month as manager Aidy Boothroyd continually outlined his desire to strengthen his central midfield.

David Prutton was eventually signed, but such has been Izzet's impressive form that he has retained his position in the middle of the park while Prutton has twice been used on the right.

“Competition for places is good, it keeps people on their toes,” said Izzet, who is close to signing a contract extension which would take him into his 10th year with the club.

“Everyone knows here that if they don't knuckle down then they won't keep their shirt.

“At the moment I feel as though my form is decent, the manager seems to like me at the moment but football changes really quickly and I have got to make sure I don't get complacent.

“He's asked me to play a different role sitting in front of the back four and it's the role I played at Charlton before I came to Colchester.

“I'm not going to say it's easy, but it's a lot easier than trying to get forward and score goals.”

Izzet has played in nine Essex derbies since joining the U's in 2001 and has enjoyed an on-running battle with opposite midfield man Alan McCormack throughout a number of those matches.

That particular head-to-head clash won't continue tonight though as McCormack is suspended, a fact Izzet was interested to learn via the media.

“Is he? I didn't know that. Oh that's handy because he always wants a row! It's going to be tough whoever I come up against though.

“They are always fierce and fiery games to play in. I relish every game, but particularly look forward to these derby matches.”