Kevin Lisbie has not given up hope of returning to Colchester United.

The popular striker was given an emotional send-off in his final U’s game against Southampton.

Lisbie is due to return to Ipswich Town, after they chose to recall him from his season-long loan.

However, Colchester manager Aidy Boothroyd still wants to bring Lisbie back in the January transfer window.

And Lisbie said he would welcome the chance to return to the U’s for a third spell.

Lisbie told the Gazette: “The gaffer has not lost any hope in signing me and hopefully they can sort something out.

“I’ve not had a call from Ipswich yet and I’ll wait for them to contact me.

“I can’t see myself playing there.

“I’ll not move down and that was the reason why I wasn’t playing before.”

Boothroyd has pledged to do all he can to bring Lisbie back to the U’s.

“Kevin has been absolutely fantastic for us,” said the Colchester manager.

“I like him a lot and I would really like to keep him but he is Ipswich Town’s player.

“It’s up to Roy Keane and Ipswich what they do with him.

“But we’ll monitor the situation.

“I don’t think we can afford the fee they are asking or the wages Championship clubs can afford.

“But we may be able to come up with something at the end of January.”

Lisbie has praised Colchester’s supporters for the way they have supported him during his second spell with the club.

The 31-year-old has always had a close relationship with the U’s fans.

Upon re-signing for the club, he highlighted their support as one of the main reasons for him returning in the summer.

“Ever since I came back, the fans have been good to me,” said Lisbie, who has hit the net ten times in Coca-Cola League One.

“I’ll never forget my first game back and the reception I got from the fans.

“The whole of the five months I’ve had have been great.

“I was part of the squad that was relegated and I really hope that I’ve done enough to help them get promoted.

“I got ten goals in the league and a lot of those came from playing on the right wing.

“I’d like to think that had I played all of the games up front, I would have scored even more goals.

“I have given 100 per cent in every game – I’ve played a few games injured and a few games when I’ve been ill.

“I felt like I owed Colchester that, after being part of the side that got relegated.”