IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane would not object if his players went to the bar before taking to the field against Coventry in the Championship at Portman Road this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane would not object if his players went to the bar before taking to the field against Coventry in the Championship at Portman Road this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Keane would obviously not entertain a drinking session, but he would accept a glass of wine.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has given the thumbs up to his squad enjoying a pizza and glass of wine before matches, and Keane says he can live with that.

“It's the Italian mentality perhaps, and I have no problem with it,” said Keane.

“I wouldn't offer my players a drink but I could accept it if they drank one glass. And pizzas have nutritional value.

“Paul Gascoigne had the odd drink I'm sure before playing for Rangers against Celtic, and all managers look on things differently.

“I never drunk before a game, but I made up for it afterwards!”

There is no doubt his players will be stone cold sober when they take on Coventry today looking to make it a hat-trick of home victories and to move further up the table.

Keane confirmed that he will be seeking more goals from his front men, and had a good word for two of his midfield players.

“I was disappointed that we did not put our foot on the ball in the second period at Leicester last week,” he said.

“Owen Garvan can do that and he was comfortable on the ball when he came on as substitute.

“Jack Colback's best position is middle of the park. But he is doing well on the left of midfield because he is a good player.

“I am delighted with him; he took a few months to adapt in what is effectively his first professional season.

“But in the last few weeks he has been great.”

And reviewing his front-running options, Keane went on: “Only one of our strikers has grabbed the opportunity to show he can score goals, and that is Jon Stead who is in the middle of a four-match ban.

“I have good options with Stern John back in the frame for today, Jon Walters able to shine in a number of roles plus Pablo Counago and maybe Tamas Priskin. If we don't improve our goal output then I will look to bring a striker in, and my current players know that.”

Commenting on the transfer situation as the transfer window reaches the half-way stage, Keane said: “My mindset is that I will not get anyone in.

“If we do it will be a bonus. I am waiting for some feedback.

“As much as I would love to bring in I'd not be too upset if nothing happens. If it does it's likely to be towards the end of the month.”

Keane said that it has been frustrating having to train in the indoor dome, but his players were able to work on grass yesterday.

He added: “Some clubs have gone to the sunshine of Dubai but I've been unable to squeeze the money out of our chief executive.

“We're fortunate to have the indoor facility but it's not physically possible for us to use it every day.”