ELLIOTT Parish says he would love to stay at Colchester United next season.

But the U’s goalkeeper admits the return of Sam Walker from injury could lead to his departure from the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Parish, who is out of contract in the summer, has started more than half of Colchester’s League One matches this season.

But with Walker set to return for the 2016-17 campaign following a long-term injury, Parish acknowledges it may not be viable for the U’s to have both keepers at the club in League Two.

Parish told the Daily Gazette: “I’d absolutely like to stay at Colchester – it’s a family club.

“But it’s difficult circumstances, with big Sammie (Walker) coming back.

“Let’s not beat around the bush, he’s a very good goalkeeper.

“Would it be good for Colchester to have both Sam and I at the club?

“It would probably be excellent, because you’ll have two good goalkeepers.

“But is that what happens in today’s game in League Two? I’m not so sure it does so we’ll see.

“If my future isn’t at Colchester, I just hope that I get another shot and get a good club for next year, because there’s a big difference in my game now to that of the start of the season and I think people are starting to see that.”

Parish earned rave reviews for his fine performance in Colchester’s 2-2 draw with Barnsley last weekend.

“I think it was perhaps one of my best performances of the season,” said the 25-year-old.

“I’m making a lot of saves at the moment but I’m just trying to do as well as I can.”

Parish was stretchered off late on at Barnsley after clattering into a post in the build up to the hosts’ second goal.

Nevertheless, he is confident of being fit for Colchester’s final game of the season against Rochdale, on Sunday lunchtime.

Parish added: “He’s (Harry Chapman) kicked it against me and I think as I’m in mid-air, he’s come through me a little bit and then I’ve gone straight into the post.

“It left my back, neck and shoulders a bit stiff and sore and I couldn’t move, so I think Macca (Bonne) going in goal was probably better than me not moving!

“I’ll be sore for a few days but I’ll be fit for Sunday.

“I’m just praying I’m on that teamsheet so that we can finish the season well and give the fans something to cheer about.”