Kevin Lisbie bagged the winner against Bristol Rovers – and then reiterated his desire to stay at Colchester United.

The 31-year-old striker’s loan stint from Ipswich Town is set to expire next month.

Town manager Roy Keane wants Lisbie back at Portman Road.

But the U’s are keen to keep him on a permanent basis.

Lisbie is desperate to stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And if he is allowed to remain with Colchester, he intends to score the goals to help them win promotion back to the Coca-Cola Championship. Lisbie said: “I would love to sign in January – whether it will be done is another matter.

“A lot has been said for no reason and so early on as well.

“I came here for a year and everyone knew the situation.

“I want to be at Colchester – I didn’t really get the chance at Ipswich and it would be hard for me to go back there and start all over again.

“There are players there I don’t know and I’d rather stay here and finish the season.

“We’re in a great position to be promoted and I feel like I’ve been a major part of that and I want that to carry on.”

Lisbie’s sweetly-struck goal proved enough to give the U’s a 1-0 victory over Rovers, one of their promotion rivals.

It was the striker’s tenth goal of the season and he is pleased with his goal return so far, particularly as he has spent much of the season playing on the right of midfield.

“I can only imagine how many goals I would have scored had I played all of the season up front!,” said Lisbie, who was moved back into attack against the Pirates.

“I’ve got ten goals now and I’m happy with that coming up to Christmas and hopefully me and the team can push on now.”

Meanwhile, Lisbie has heaped praise on fellow striker Clive Platt, following his impressive performance against Rovers..

Lisbie added: “I don’t think Clive gets enough credit for what he does for the team.

“I think he won 90 per cent of the headers and if he wasn’t doing that he’s bringing it down and bringing others into play.

“He’s great to play alongside and I’m sure if you ask the other strikers here, they would say the same.”

Young U’s midfielder Sam Corcoran has joined Ryman League premier division side Wealdstone on a month’s loan.