IPSWICH Town acting skipper Richard Wright admits that Roy Keane's arrival as manager will give an added edge to today's Coca-Cola Championship game against Cardiff City at Ninian Park (kick-off 3pm).

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town acting skipper Richard Wright admits that Roy Keane's arrival as manager will give an added edge to today's Coca-Cola Championship game against Cardiff City at Ninian Park (kick-off 3pm).

Wright is expected to lead the side again in the continuing absence of defender Gareth McAuley, and Jon Walters is also set to miss out again after taking a further knock on his ankle.

Matt Richards, who has just one unused substitute appearance for Town over the last two seasons, has travelled with the Town party as a left-sided defender with Ben Thatcher, David Wright and Moritz Volz out.

Town can finish no higher than ninth in the table, and three points tomorrow would go along way to ensuring that did not slip further down the division - with Coventry at home to finish the campaign next Sunday.

“We were always going to be focused on the last two games because we are all professionals,” said Wright. “But with the new manager coming in, it does give it an extra edge.

“Players will be looking to impress the manager and playing for their futures.

“You don't know whether he will look to bring in new players or not, but the first thing for all of us here is to perform in the next two games and aim to take six points.

“The new manager's record as a player is there for all to see, and he has a proven track managerial record.

“He has a great presence and in his first day here he made an instant impact with what he said and just being around the place.”

And looking ahead to today's trip to Ninian Park, Wright said: “There's going to be a massive spotlight on today's game.

“It's the last league match at Ninian Park and both Cardiff and us will be under huge scrutiny.

“As a player it is great as you would rather be involved in games like this. It's going to be big stage, a special game for the Cardiff players and for our manager, so bring it on.”

Wright has won the respect of his team mates with Town players' player of the year award, and he reflected: “To get the award from your fellow players is always fantastic.

“I have to thank Jim Magilton for giving the chance to come back to Ipswich and play regular first team football again.”

And in saying goodbye to Magilton, Wright added: “He stuck by me at the start of the season when I had a difficult stage and showed the confidence he had in me and I really appreciated that.

“He won't be out of football for long. He's got a massive passion for the game and he proved that in his time as a player and manager here.”