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Keane: Big Challenge Ahead - Ipswich Town News

Boss Roy Keane conceded that he has a big challenge ahead if the Blues are to compete with the likes of West Brom at the right end of the Championship table this season. The Town manager hinted that the final week of the transfer window could be a busy time at Portman Road.

Keane was impressed with the Baggies as Roberto Di Matteo’s side outclassed his team: "We saw today West Brom, a team which are obviously going places, and we don’t look like we’re going anywhere too fast, so we have a big challenge ahead.

"I always knew that the job would be difficult, but there is no getting away from the fact that it is a massive, massive challenge over the next few months. It is sink or swim for the players.

"We need to do better and I don't want to keep saying it. We don't look much of a goal threat and we are giving bad goals away. That is a recipe for trouble, so it is going to be very, very hard. But it can be done. You have to believe that we can turn it around.

"The Championship season is very long and you have to believe that we can get up to speed - sooner rather than later. Against Albion we gave a couple of bad goals away and we need to do better."

The Blues boss was impressed with Richard Wright’s superb display and Jack Colback’s performance from the bench: "Wrighty was outstanding for us and one of the few positives for us.

"Sometimes you have to look for pluses from a game and his performance was one of them, along with Jack Colback, who did what you want from a midfielder; close players down and use the ball when you have it.

"He has put himself into contention to play Tuesday night, but there is no denying there has to be a big improvement on what we have done so far.

"I've probably played it down over the last few weeks, but we are short in certain areas of the park.

"I have given players a chance to show what they can do and they have not taken it. I can't be accused of not giving people an opportunity and certainly things have got to change if results are going to improve."

Baggies boss Di Matteo was delighted with his side’s display: "Three points, clean sheet, a great performance. It was a good evening for us.

"Ipswich have a certain Richard Wright in their goal, who is a very good goalkeeper and had a very good game as well. We were convincing throughout the game I thought."

But Di Matteo dismissed suggestions that Town were a poor side: "There is always a dilemma.

"If you play well people assume the opposition isn't as good. But they have a good team. They moved the ball around, were dangerous, so it was a hard afternoon for Ipswich - but they're a good side.

"Ipswich are not a poor team. I would disagree with anyone saying otherwise. Yes, they've had a poor start but there are 42 games left. You can be in mid-table at Christmas and still get promoted. It's a long, long hard season."

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