JON Stead and Alan Quinn could still have futures at Portman Road with Ipswich Town manager Roy Keane confirming his faith in them.Both were reported to be in Keane's thoughts when the Blues boss said nearly three weeks ago that one or two of his current staff were highly unlikely to play for him again.

Elvin King

JON Stead and Alan Quinn could still have futures at Portman Road with Ipswich Town manager Roy Keane confirming his faith in them.

Both were reported to be in Keane's thoughts when the Blues boss said nearly three weeks ago that one or two of his current staff were highly unlikely to play for him again.

“Perhaps I should not have said what I did,” retracted Keane. “The media took hold of it and Jon and Alan's names were headlined when there was nothing to back it up.

“People jumped to conclusions and it was wrong.

“Every day in training, and in behind closed doors games and reserve fixtures, players have a chance to make a statement.

“Some will and some won't and we will have to see.”

Keane made no reference to the future of Owen Garvan, who was also mentioned as someone he was unhappy with after the defeat at West Brom on August 22.

Town fans can expect a couple of newcomers to Keane's squad next week with the manager adding: “I am in discussions with a couple of clubs and if we can get over the line with them I will be happy to draw a line over in-comings.

“The Ipswich board has supported me in getting in the players I need to improve the areas where we were found to be lacking.

“Once we strengthen up - and hopefully it might be early next week - I will be looking to loan out one or two.”

Keane sees the arrival of recent signings Grant Leadbitter, Carlos Edwards and Liam Rosnerior as filling vital gaps in his team.

“We have been lacking pace and penetration and I can see Carlos and Liam proving a handful for the left side of opposition defences,” added Keane.

“And Grant also has Championship and Premier League experience, and both he and Liam have had good training sessions under their belts.

“I am pleased to have buttoned up deals so far for three of the five players I identified who could make a big improvement to us.”

Town made a bid for Sheffield Wednesday defender Richard Wood a fortnight ago, but the Owls are now confident they can get their former captain to sign a new deal.

Sheffield United are reported to be interested in taking Gareth McAuley on loan to possibly replace Matthew Kilgallon, who is said to be on his way to either Newcastle or Wigan.