ROY Keane's transfer dealings since he arrived at Portman Road were today given official backing.And chief executive Simon Clegg also says that the only way is up.

Elvin King

ROY Keane's transfer dealings since he arrived at Portman Road were today given official backing.

And chief executive Simon Clegg also says that the only way is up.

Blues boss Keane leads his team into Championship action at Scunthorpe tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) aiming to stretch an unbeaten run to 11 games and give fans some festive cheer in the final match before Christmas.

Keane's near-�4million purchases of Tamas Priskin and Lee Martin and his signing of David Healy have come under heavy criticism, but Clegg - the spokesperson for reclusive club owner Marcus Evans - said: “We are very comfortable with the transfer dealings that Roy has made.

“Some of his purchases may not have blossomed but it is still relatively early days.

“Grant Leadbitter for example has proved a superb signing although others have not yet been as successful.

“But we are not particularly worried and like Damien Delaney some need time to adjust.”

Leadbitter must sit out tomorrow's game because of a one-match suspension after picking up five yellow cards. Skipper Jon Walters is in the same boat with Gareth McAuley expected to take the armband.

This will test the strength of Keane's squad, although Clegg is in confident mood with Town having lifted themselves out of the bottom three with last weekend's 3-1 home victory over Blackpool.

Clegg insists Ipswich have shown they are capable of taking on any club in the division - apart from perhaps leaders Newcastle United.

“Our recent displays have shown that there is no club in the Championship we cannot take on; apart from perhaps Newcastle who are racing away at the top and gave us a sound beating,” he said.

Four managers have gone in the Championship within the last week, and the current bottom four clubs has all changed bosses since the season began.

Town are fifth bottom, but Clegg again pledged his support to Keane.

“This is a results driven business and if this does not happen in the long term changes may have to be made,” said Clegg.

“But we are nowhere near that situation. I'm incredibly confident we will be much higher up the table in May than we are now.

“Roy has a two-year contract and has gone on record saying he can get the club promoted in that time.

“We're feeling bullish and it's onwards and upwards with of course a few disappointments likely along the way.”

Clegg described his working relationship with Keane, who has the national media following his every move like vultures waiting for him to fail.

“It is a bizarre situation,” explained Clegg. “His public profile is very different to the one I work with every day.

“His persona was gained when he was still playing.

“He recognises he had a few challenges when managing Sunderland and he came here a much more rounded individual.

“He is very ambitious but by his own admission he is still learning his trade and I'm delighted how well he has integrated here.”