Boss Roy Keane says he sees no reason to take the Town captaincy away from defender Gareth McAuley. The Northern Irish international was named the Blues' skipper by former manager Jim Magilton at the start of last season.

Keane says he has no current plans to make a switch: "I've not thought too much about the captaincy. Gareth McAuley was captain when I came here and I don't see any reason to change that at this moment in time. You need three or four big leaders anyway, both on and off the pitch.

"If the older lads come in and train hard then it sets the tone for the likes of young Connor, Jordan and Liam. That's been hugely important for everyone on this trip.”

The Blues returned from their five-day training camp in Portugal yesterday with Keane happy with his players' efforts: "I'm delighted with how these few days have gone. We came over here to get the good facilities, the good food and the good weather, but obviously the main reason was to come over here and work hard.”

Town are in action at Brentford's Griffin Park this evening (KO 7.45pm).

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