IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane has experimented with a number of different centre-half partnerships already this season, without much success.

Carl Marston

IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane has experimented with a number of different centre-half partnerships already this season, without much success.

That's why the Town supremo is still desperate to strengthen his squad in that department.

The Irishman revealed yesterday that he is still tracking a couple of new loanee signings, and although he wouldn't confirm in which position, it is safe to admit that at least one of these targets is a centre-half.

“It's possible that there will be a new signing or two this week,” revealed Keane.

“We've made a little progress in the last 24 hours. I have two targets. It's clear that we're still short in one or two areas, which need improving.”

Keane had a meeting with owner and chairman Marcus Evans over the weekend. With reference to this, Keane insisted: “He (Evans) is supportive to what I need.”

The Town boss did add that there had been no direct contact made with experienced centre-half Sol Campbell, who last week sensationally quit Notts County, with regards a possible move to Portman Road. League rules prevent Campbell from playing for any club until January.

The pairings

TOWN'S different centre-half partnerships so far this season:

v Coventry: McAuley & Balkestein

v Shrewsbury: Bruce & Smith

v Leicester: McAuley & Balkestein

v Crystal Palace: McAuley & Balkestein

v West Brom: Bruce & Balkestein

v Peterborough: Bruce & Balkestein

v Preston: McAuley & Balkestein

v Middlesbrough: Bruce & McAuley

v Forest: Bruce & McAuley

v Doncaster: Bruce & Smith

v Newcastle: Bruce & Balkestein