Steve Whitton is waiting to hear if his latest find Kemal Izzet is ready to become a permanent Colchester United player.

The 20-year-old pint-sized Charlton Athletic loanee has made such an impact since his transfer deadline day arrival at Layer Road that the U's boss has made the youngster an offer he's hoping he can't refuse.

Whitton said today (Friday) as he prepared his in-form squad for tomorrow's away trip to Notts County: "I would like to sign Kemal on a permanent basis.

"I have offered him a contract and he went away last night to discuss the matter with his agent and family.

"I told him I keep reading how keen he is to play League football for Colchester and I'm hoping he will come back today with some good news for us."

Certain to be in the U's starting line-up at Meadow Lane tomorrow, Izzet - who kept his place in the side that beat Swansea in midweek following his League debut as a substitute against Luton - is probably the most exciting player to hit Layer Road since Lomana Tresor Lua Lua.

Whitton said: "I knew from the moment I saw Kem against Luton he has what it takes to handle the pressures of League football.

"Some Premiership reserve lads who have never played League football before find it very difficult, but Kem got stuck in straight away and really rose to the challenge."

Meanwhile, Whitton is very keen to continue the good run which has taken his team into the top half of the Second Division table with seven games to play.

He said: "I want another three points at Notts County tomorrow and I don't want any of my players to think their job this season is already done.

"Our recent record at Notts County is very good and that's how I want it to stay. I don't want anyone relaxing too much and I will carry on drumming home that message right up to the final day."

Attacking wingback Joe Keith will be missing again, this time because of illness.

But giant target man Keith Scott is expected to make the trip even though he has lost a half-a-stone in weight because of a stomach virus which forced him to miss Tuesday's match against Swansea.

Exciting propspect - U's midfielder Kemal Izzet in action against Swansea

Picture: STEVE BRADING

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