Town manager Roy Keane again had praise for new skipper David Norris after the midfielder fired in his fourth goal of the season to seal the Blues’ 1-0 Carling Cup win at Crewe in extra time. Keane was also delighted with keeper Brian Murphy’s performance on his return to the side.

The Town boss says Norris, who has so far been rated as the Blues’ man of the match in every game this season by TWTD readers, was still going in the 120th minute at Gresty Road: “He did very well, even in the last few minutes his energy and fitness levels were fantastic.

“He had a good pre-season with us. This time last year we lost him for four months and maybe we all underestimated how big a loss he was to us.

“He’s leading well, he’s enjoying having the captaincy and it was a very, very good finish. I think it was going to take a good finish from someone tonight because the goalkeepers looked decent. Luckily for us David got that goal and we’ll head back down the motorway a happy team.”

Keane was similarly pleased with keeper Murphy: “He was very, very good. Very sharp, not just physically, but mentally. His decision-making was good as were his starting positions. His body language was good, he commanded the area and made some very, very good saves for us, which we needed.”

The Town boss now looking to be given a home draw, having been away for all his Town cup ties so far: “We hope so. It’s six away draws in a row, so please God can we get a home draw, especially for our supporters, who will have spent a few quid travelling up and down the country.”

The draw is being held at the weekend during Soccer Saturday on Sky between 12.15pm and 12.30pm.

Overall Keane continues to be pleased with his squad with one or two of the sidelined players returning soon: “The signs are decent and in two or three weeks we’ll have some of the injured boys back, Connor and Mark Kennedy in particular. We need to kick on now and keep showing the character and fighting spirit we showed tonight.”

Crewe manager Dario Gradi was pleased with his side despite their defeat: "We entertained the crowd and they enjoyed it, our supporters don't always enjoy us losing but it was a good game for them.

"It was against a bigger club than us, I thought it was an even game without many chances. A few of our lads need to improve the quality of their play but I thought they were very good.

"I said to them after normal time they had done well, I almost wished we had lost in the last minute of full time, but I quite fancied us if it was going to go to penalties.

"Over the game we had some good chances and I think Clayton Donaldson had the best chance in the first half and we got a bit more from Joel Grant. I think the Cheltenham game [when they lost 3-2] was a one off for us and we certainly looked hard to beat."

Photo: Action Images

Smithy added 09:37 - Aug 25 badly need midfield cover, we have no cover for Hyam, Leadbitter or Norris if and when they get injured/suspended. With Quinn and Healy told they can go and the rest kids we are very thin in this area.
0

dubblue added 09:42 - Aug 25 On the positive side we clearly have good back-up for our 'keeper. Norris picking up his 4th yellow card this season must be of concern given the size of the squad. Still a win is a win.
0

dirtydingusmagee added 09:46 - Aug 25 Chuck's booking is a pain, but he is making his presence fealt in positive ways,no lack of commitment AND goals . COYB
0

dogburtino added 09:51 - Aug 25 I guess if we have no cover for midfield keane will just have to put on his boots.
0

tractorboynathan added 10:00 - Aug 25 Glad to see that Norris has scored again! Leaned new formation is working a treat for everyone! Also happy to see that murphy is pushing for the no1 spot in goal. But best of all another win! (: COYB!
0

groovyASH added 10:04 - Aug 25 I reckon Keane could cope with a one-off 90-minutes here and therer throughout the season if we needed him too. He could just sit there in front of the backline and belt passes around. Although the odd Keano tackle or two wouldn't go amiss either.
0

Karlosfandangal added 10:41 - Aug 25 I see Cardiff are about to sign Keogh from Wolves, Another striker joining Cardiff. Does this mean a Chopra bid has gone in!!!!!!!!!!!
0

lawshallgirls added 11:45 - Aug 25 keane saving number 9 shirt for chops and number 7 for mccormac
0

Cr0wman added 12:27 - Aug 25 Connor Wickham has the No. 9 shirt !!!!!
0

ITFCKeano added 13:09 - Aug 25 On a completely different note, its ironically a shame we have such good keepers now, as Begovic has rocked the boat at Stoke by refusing to play last night - could have been a nice signing for us if there was much chance he'd leave/ could afford him. He's obvioulsy not been told we have a new keeper or else I'm sure he's looking to return back to Portman Road :-)
0

ipswichtillidie added 13:32 - Aug 25 Good win last night boys.... got the job done and the winning habit is certainly being installed! Where has all the transfer talk gone thou...? We are so short in certain area's and its very concerning... The amount of players gone out and the money that has come in i do wonder where the backing has gone... The money from ME certainly seems to have dried up at a crucial stage in my opinion,,, Was hoping for 2 more major perm signings b4 tue,, McCormack to Leeds would be a disapointment! Hopefully something will happen for us in the next few days although i can some quality Loan signings being available with the prem 25 man squad rule,,,, Would prefer perm deals thou as would Keane it seems,,,, but the money isn't there is it.........

0

Deanoipswich4ever added 13:59 - Aug 25 Keane should praise them 2 there very gd player's and norris is gonna be a great player 4 us this season
0

Karlosfandangal added 14:12 - Aug 25 They need to look at Norris's contract as its up next year and will be missed if he goes. Not many on here saying Norris is a waste of money as a few years ago when Jim signed him. But Jim never made any good signings only bad ones!!!!!!!!!!!
0

jas0999 added 19:47 - Aug 25 Very pleased for Norris - by giving him the armband, Roy has really got the best out of him. Now Clegg - offer David a new contract!
0

tom_the_blue added 10:58 - Aug 29 Well done the 2 of them, as the rest of the young squad.
0

tom_the_blue added 10:59 - Aug 29 also, Norris has been playing brilliantly so far this season, the new system suits his style
0

tom_the_blue added 11:00 - Aug 29 Give him a new contract
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls