Lisbie's 'Indian Summer' ahead
KEVIN Lisbie might prefer playing up front, but his man-of-the-match display at right-midfield against Hartlepool has drawn a likeness with a legend in that position, writes Stuart Watson.
Stuart Watson
KEVIN Lisbie might prefer playing up front, but his man-of-the-match display at right-midfield against Hartlepool has drawn a likeness with a legend in that position, writes Stuart Watson.
“He might just have an Indian summer,” said the U's boss, before cheekily adding: “He could even be the new Stanley Matthews.”
Yes, it's highly unlikely that the 30-year-old Lisbie will carry on playing until he is 55 as Matthews did, but on last Saturday's tireless performance he deserves the favourable comparison.
The on-loan Ipswich player worked selflessly when his team did not have the ball, looked a threat with the ball at his feet and capped a fine display with two goals from the spot.
He has now scored six goals in eight appearances in his second spell at the U's, leading to some glowing praise from his new boss.
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“Every player has an identity in their head as to the sort of player they are,” said Boothroyd. “But sometimes you have to do things that you don't like doing for the benefit of the team.
“I made a big deal of Kevin on Saturday because he did a big job for the team and caused absolute havoc for Hartlepool.
“I've seen him play out on the right, out on the left and in the hole and that sort of flexibility is a real bonus for any player.”
Colchester travel to Merseyside tomorrow to face a Tranmere side that have lost their last six League One matches and Lisbie is likely to start again on the right following a promising debut from on-loan Barnsley striker Kayode Odejayi alongside Clive Platt.
Lisbie said: “I have played there a few times before and although it's something I'd prefer not to do I was asked to do a job.
“Sometimes you are asked to do things you don't want to do but the most important thing is the team.”
Right-winger Ashley Vincent, who injured his ankle scoring against Swindon, is rated as 'touch and go' for tomorrow's match by Boothroyd, while captain Pat Baldwin is still sidelined following the injury he sustained against Southampton.
