BLUES boss Roy Keane has not closed the door on out-of-favour strikers Tamas Priskin, Pablo Counago and Lee Martin.

Elvin King

BLUES boss Roy Keane has not closed the door on out-of-favour strikers Tamas Priskin, Pablo Counago and Lee Martin.

But he confirmed his ground rules today and that he expects his playing staff to be giving their best every single day.

Priskin, Counago and Martin have not been seen in a Town starting line-up since November and it would be a surprise if they featured in tomorrow's Championship game against Coventry City at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

Keane however puts great emphasis on what happens during the week. Training performance levels and reserve and practice matches are important to him and are reflected in the sides he selects.

“I don't expect all my players to be playing in the Champions League in four years,” said Keane.

“I'm not silly.

“But I expect them to be the best they can be. They might not make it to the top but it shouldn't be for the want of trying.

“All I ask is that they do their best. They might not be at their best every day but they have to give their best, not today and then switch off tomorrow, be at it today, tomorrow, or the next day.

“I played with some top players and they were on it every day, that's what made them top players.”

Keane left the likes of Owen Garvan, David Wright and Damien Delaney on the sidelines for lengthy intervals earlier in the season, and they have come back to make a big impression.

Renowned for spotting if players are 'coasting' in training, Keane has been disappointed at the lack of opportunities to play reserve and practice matches since the bad weather set in.

He admits that some out-of-favour squad members have a case to be playing more often.

“I'm not one for one-to-one chats,” added Keane.

“Show me with your actions out on the pitch, on the training ground, where it counts.

“Lads like Lee Martin, Pablo Counago and Tamas Priskin can put up a decent argument for being in the side.

“All I say is show me on the pitch you should be in my team and you'll get your chance.

“No one can say they haven't had a chance here.”

Ipswich have been linked with 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker Dele Adebola again. It is unlikely, but if the Nigerian is to come to Portman Road it will be later in the month with Stern John on loan for the next fortnight.

And for the home game against West Brom on Tuesday, January 26 Jon Stead will be available again after suspension.

Town players had a day off yesterday after a double training session on Wednesday with final preparations for the Coventry match taking place today.