Colchester United midfielder Kem Izzet has signed a new two year contract with the League One outfit.The U's longest serving player, who joined from Charlton Athletic in 2001, will now be at the club until the summer of 2012.

Izzet, 29, has over 350 appearances for the promotion-chasing side.

Although Izzet's future has been secured, U's Manager Aidy Boothroyd is keen for contract talks not to obstruct their promotion push.

He told BBC Essex: "I don't want anything to be a distraction, it's important to make sure we focus on winning the next game.

"Just like if you train properly the score takes care of itself, if you play well and you become a key player, contracts take care of themselves."

Colchester are currently third in League One, four points behind second-placed Leeds.

Source: BBC Sport