Kevin Lisbie is likely to see out the season at Colchester United – unless an offer is received for the striker before the end of this month.

The Ipswich Town front man is on a season-long loan at the U’s but the indications were that he would be recalled at the start of January.

However, Blues boss Roy Keane has “changed his mind” and allowed Lisbie to continue his fruitful stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The Londoner has been terrific form, scoring ten goals, and has already stated his desire to stay at the north Essex side.

“I know I said a few weeks back that Kevin would be coming back but I think I’m entitled to change my mind and he’ll be staying with Colchester for now,” said Keane.

“He’s playing games and with Stern (John) staying another month, Connor (Wickham) looking sharp, Steady (Jon Stead) only missing two League games and Pablo (Counago) and Tamas Priskin pushing to get back involved, we have decided to leave Kevin at Colchester. “That situation can change, like it can with any player at the club, if we get an offer for him.

“But for now, he will stay with Colchester and I would think that if he is still there at the end of January then he’s likely to see the season out with them. We’ll see how it pans out.”

Lisbie is under contract to Ipswich until the summer of 2011, having signed in a £750,000 deal in 2008.

Meanwhile, two other pieces of loan business were completed last week, with Tommy Smith heading to Brentford and Liam Trotter to Millwall.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Keane.

“They both need to play games and they’ve not being doing that lately.

“Brentford wanted a left-sided centre-half and, with Pim (Balkestein) coming back, he fitted the bill (the Dutchman has just returned from a successful loan at Griffin Park).