Town manager Roy Keane felt his side showed better energy levels during the 2-0 victory over Southend than they did during the trip to Ireland.

The Blues boss was generally pleased with the performance: "I enjoyed the game and watching the team play. I want to enjoy watching the team.

"We were decent in the first half and threatened. It was just the final ball that left us down. In the second half we managed to put that right and finish off the moves and we could have got more goals.

"Our energy levels were better than in Ireland at the weekend and it was a good work-out for us. The players got another game under their belt, everyone had a run out. It was a competitive game and as much as I was impressed by some of our play, Southend impressed me as well."

Keane says Alex Bruce picked up a slight injury, but the knock isn't too serious: "That was the only downside for us. He took a kick on the shin. That's going to happen, he's a defender. I don't mind that type of knock, it's the pulls you don't want to get, but hopefully Alex is not too bad."

Southend manager Steve Tilson thought the match was a useful exercise: "It was a good game to play.

"It was a competitive match, although it isn't too great when a couple of players pick up knocks.

"Adam [Barrett] felt his knee and it would have been silly to keep him on. He realised that and felt it was best to come off.

"Ipswich are a decent side and I'm not worried about the scoreline at this time of the season.”

Photo: Action Images

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