ROY Keane has told his Ipswich Town strikers to play like world superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Elvin King

ROY Keane has told his Ipswich Town strikers to play like world superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

He says they shouldn't be afraid to miss when Peterborough visit Portman Road for the first time in a league game tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Keane is looking for his goal-shy side to improve their record of 19 goals in 19 Championship games and collect three points against the bottom club that could take them out of the bottom three for the first time since September.

“My former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is not afraid to miss the target,” said Keane.

“There is a certain bravery in that. He may blast the ball wide, but he will keep trying and sooner or later a goal will follow. Michael Owen is the same breed; he will keep popping up and trying to make the keeper work until he puts the ball into the net.

“I want my players to follow their example, and if so I'm sure goals will come tonight.”

Despite scoring so few times Town's players have taken Keane's advice shooting more times than most of their Championship rivals.

They have had 266 efforts in 1,710 minutes plus stoppage time this term with 149 on target.

In Saturday's 0-0 draw at Bristol City the Blues were reported to have 21 strikes on target, and Keane added: “To be fair to my strikers they keep getting into position.

“And if we have 21 efforts on goal against Peterborough I'm sure we'll get two or three goals.”

Now that he has got his defence sorted out, Keane knows that goals at the other end will see his side move up the table.

And he again emphasised that he has not given up on making something of this season.

He explained: “I'm well aware that there are 12 points between us and the play-off positions.

“Although it's a big gap when you have only won twice we have not written our season off.

“Our fitness levels are good and we finished Saturday's match like the home team.”

Keane, who does not expect defender Alex Bruce to be available from his hamstring tear before Saturday week's match at Scunthorpe, is keeping his cards close to his chest over bringing in new players once the transfer window reopens in January.

“I have not spoken to the owner about funds being available next month,” said Keane.

“But we must keep the balance of the squad right and we have Brian Murphy coming in, Kevin Lisbie coming back and David Norris hopefully fit to play again soon.”

Ipswich are unbeaten for eight games (two wins) scoring just seven goals but conceding only five.