IPSWICH Town acting skipper Jon Walters today dispelled any doubts about the players' commitment to manager Roy Keane.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town acting skipper Jon Walters today dispelled any doubts about the players' commitment to manager Roy Keane.

The Blues go into tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship game at Oakwell against Barnsley (kick-off 3pm) bottom of the table and searching for their first victory after their worst start to any season.

But Walters scoffed at any suggestion that the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland stalwart had lost the dressing room.

“Without a shadow of doubt we are all playing for the manager,” said Walters, who is leading scorer with four goals.

“We are working with each other to get through this; on the training ground and on match days.

“Your team-mates become similar to your family as you are with them so much.

“And this includes substitutes, and those who may not be in the final squad.”

And when asked whether Keane has what it takes as a manager to take the Blues into the Premier League, Walters also had no doubts re-using the same phrase.

“Yes, without a shadow of doubt we have a manager who can take us places,” added Walters, who has been on antibiotics for a chest cold for a few days now.

“Our training is first class, and no one at the club wants to be in the position we now find ourselves.

“It is no reflection on where we want to be, and look forward to being in the not too distant future.”

Walters has taken over the captain's armband following a groin injury suffered by Alex Bruce, and he revealed that there was no over reaction after allowing Sheffield United to hit back from 3-1 down in the last 12 minutes to earn a point.

“There was no ranting and raving in the dressing room after the game,” said Walters.

“But it was hard to take after experiencing similar feelings when we also let a lead slip late at Doncaster in our previous away game.

“We have enough experienced heads and should have seen the game out - putting our foot on the ball, getting some free-kicks and slowing the game down.

“There will be no individual blame as we play as a team and defend right from the front.

“Not many teams will score three goals at Sheffield United and we must take the extra confidence we gained after last Saturday's knock-back against Newcastle into the Barnsley game.

“We were so close to a win at Bramall Lane, but we must not hide from the truth of where we find ourselves.

“We must make our own luck and this comes from within the building where we have staff and players who can turn it round.”