IPSWICH boss Joe Royle today posed the question: “Can we really afford a cup run?”Royle may remain ambitious about taking Town as far as possible on the road to Cardiff in the two domestic knockout competitions, but fears such progress would be detrimental to their promotion chances.

IPSWICH boss Joe Royle today posed the question: “Can we really afford a cup run?”

Royle may remain ambitious about taking Town as far as possible on the road to Cardiff in the two domestic knockout competitions, but fears such progress would be detrimental to their promotion chances.

Town are through to the second round of the Carling Cup, where they will meet League One outfit Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, September 21.

But Royle explained: “The further we go in any cup competition, the more our resources are being stretched.

“We only have a small squad and it contains a number of young players low on experience. It's something you have to look at very carefully.

“No one wants to see us having a good cup run if it means our league form suffers. Nothing is more important than promotion.”

Royle fielded a much-changed side in this week's 2-0 defeat of Brentford, in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Scott Barron made his debut, Scott Mitchell started a senior fixture for the first time and goalkeeper Lewis Price marked his home debut with a clean sheet.

But it was only after the introduction of Shefki Kuqi, at the interval, and Tommy Miller midway through the second half that Town managed to get their noses in front.

Jason De Vos was left out because of deep bruising to the bone just below his right knee, while both Matt Richards and Fabian Wilnis were absent through injury.

Royle is likely to land an unexpected transfer kitty if sought-after striker Darren Bent completes a £3 million move to Charlton Athletic before Tuesday's deadline.

The Town boss already has a loan budget with a view to reinforcing his squad by making several temporary signings throughout the season.