Simon Brown is rapidly making a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Second Division.

If the impressive 26-year-old Colchester United number one - already a firm favourite to walk away with this season's U's Player-of-the-Year award - continues to turn in man-of-the-match performances his days at Layer Road must surely be numbered.

Simon Brown

Promotion hopefuls Cardiff City and Luton Town, who have made no secret of the fact they are looking for new keepers, are regular visitors to the U's matches.

And flattered by any possible interest, former Tottenham Hotspur apprentice Brown said: "If anyone comes in for me what happens will be up to Col U and the club concerned.

"I'm still contracted at Layer Road for the rest of this season and next, but I want all our fans to know that I'm Col U through and through.

"Cut me and I will bleed blue and white, but I have to admit to being flattered if other clubs are looking at me."

Now known as 'The Octopus' by his team-mates, because he gets his arms and legs in the way everywhere, Brown, who turned in another starring performance at Cheltenham Town on Saturday in his 100th League outing for the U's, said: "I'm only looking to do my best all the time for the club.

"The lads reckon I've got four arms, four hands, four legs and four feet because I'm always keeping the ball out of the net with one or other of them"

More on Colchester United FC

What are your views on Colchester United? Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board.

Published Wednesday, February 26, 2003