FORMER Ipswich Town skipper Matt Holland today insisted that new Blues manager Roy Keane is not being paid to be soft.

Elvin King

FORMER Ipswich Town skipper Matt Holland today insisted that new Blues manager Roy Keane is not being paid to be soft.

Holland, whose contract with Charlton Athletic comes to an end this summer, played in the same Republic of Ireland midfield as Keane.

He knows him well and said: “Roy has all the attributes to get Ipswich promoted back to the Premier League and he will be paid to get results not to be soft.

“There is likely to be a fear factor involved and Roy will expect the same high standards on and off the pitch as he sets himself.

“In many ways he is not dissimilar to Jim Magilton, and you have to respect what he has done on the pitch.”

The arrival of the world-renowned Keane lifts the stature of Ipswich Town, and makes them more high profile at a stroke.

“Ipswich have been out of the top flight for seven years, and are looking for someone who can deliver,” added Holland, who was quick to praise the efforts of his former Town team mate Magilton.

“What a wonderful job Jim did at Portman Road as a player,” said Holland. “And this should not be forgotten.

“He has paid a price as manager for the high expectations placed on him after he was given �12million to spend on his squad.

“Jim had three years to satisfy the ambitions to get back into the top flight, and this did not happen.”

Holland, 35, was a big favourite as Blues skipper playing over 250 games and leading the club during their two years in the Premier League under George Burley in 2000/01 and 2001/02.

He won 49 Irish caps, and said about his future: “I am not sure what it is going to happen, but I would like to carry on playing for one more year at any rate.”