Colchester United boss Kevin Keen admits he is facing a dilemma regarding the future of in-form goalkeeper Elliott Parish.

The 25-year-old has shone in recent weeks and was one of the U’s best players in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Burton Albion.

However, his future with the club is in doubt because his one-year contract expires in July.

“Elliott’s been absolutely outstanding,” said Keen.

“He was fantastic again at the weekend and he’s also a great character in the changing room.

“He’s made it really difficult for me.

“There are other goalkeepers within the club – one coming back from injury and a couple of young ones.

“But we’ll sit down with Elliott next week, discuss it and see what we come up with.”

Colchester are now preparing for League Two football as Saturday’s defeat means they cannot avoid a bottom-three finish.

Their fate had looked inevitable, although a recent purple patch had raised hopes that they might pull off a miraculous escape.

Keen himself admitted feeling “confident” his side could produce something special – right up to last Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at basement boys Crewe.

The U’s shipped a late equaliser to throw away two points.

“I don’t think it’s been inevitable for a few weeks, but it’s been inevitable since last Tuesday night,” said the U’s boss.

“The late goal was a real killer, but up until then we’d been hanging in there.

“I felt confident all along, right up to travelling home that night, that we could stay in the league.

“Even though the results weren’t coming, the performances, determination and effort was there.

“I genuinely think that if we could have stayed in the league, we’d have had a successful season next year.

“Now let’s hope for a successful season in League Two, instead.

“We’ve got a lot of young, hungry players and it’s an opportunity, after a few seasons where it’s been difficult and the club have been fighting relegation.

“It’s a summer to get things right, in terms of recruitment, and for everyone to get behind the team and help take it forward.

“We’ve still got two games left – important for us and important for our opposition – and they’re tough games, as well.”