SWANSEA go into today's Championship game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm) nine points above Ipswich, but having scored five less goals than Roy Keane's side.

Elvin King

SWANSEA go into today's Championship game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm) nine points above Ipswich, but having scored five less goals than Roy Keane's side.

The Welsh club will be seeking their second away win of the campaign to heap further problems in the Blues, who are desperate for victory after 11 winless games so far this campaign.

Keane's former Republic of Ireland team mate Tom Butler is tipping Ipswich to soon start moving up the table with the winger saying: “As a player Roy trained hard, was very quiet, but a great professional.

“He will keep working hard on turning Ipswich around.

“You feel it is a matter of time before they turn it around, but I'm hoping it won't start this weekend.

“We're not feeling sorry for them. We want to keep our run going and that means winning at Portman Road.”

Whatever the result, Butler does not expect to catch up with his one-time colleague after the game.

“I don't think he will remember me,” he said.

“We were involved in a couple of squads together at international level, but he kept himself to himself - that's the man he is.”

Swansea manager Paulo Sousa played against Keane in the 1997 Champions League semi-final when his Borussia Dortmund side eliminated Manchester United.

And the former Portuguese star also enjoyed success over the Irishman at international level.

Sousa said: “It's a pleasure to have played against Roy (Keane) in our national teams and in the Champions League.

“He was a very competitive player who understood the game well.

“He had good technique and he was very aggressive without the ball. He was a clever player.

“I'm pleased to have played against him because of all that - and also because I think I won every time!”

Sousa, who managed QPR before joining Swansea, is also backing his old adversary to lift the Blues off the foot of the table.

“When you change manager you have to give him time. It's not an easy job and it's important to have the protection and help that you need to get through difficult moments.

“I know results are very important for the success of the business, but sometimes people take decisions too quickly.

“One of the good things in English football is that managers are usually given more time to do a good job.”

Swansea are expected to select from an unchanged squad having beaten Jim Magilton's QPR in their previous game.

They have conceded just one goal in their last six matches and Keane is expecting a tough match.

“Swansea have picked up some good results and we respect what they have achieved,” said Keane.

“But for home games it is all down to what we do and after a good fortnight's training I'm trusting my players to go out and perform.”