Town boss Roy Keane was happy with the performance during Friday's 3-0 win at Waterford and revealed that the club have turned down offers for two of their players. The Blues manager is also hoping Sunday's game at Cork will go some way to sorting out his hometown club's finances.

Keane again pointed to what he felt was his players' good approach to the Waterford game: "I was fairly pleased particularly with the attitude of the players. We left Ipswich at 7am to come over here, so it has been a long day's travelling, which is not ideal, but the players have knuckled down and that has impressed me.

"I was pleased defensively. It had to be better than the other night, particular at set pieces, and I'm sure the keeper and defenders will be pleased with the clean sheet, but we all know there is still a lot of work to be done. That is why we have these games but overall I will sleep well.”

Keane singled out two-goal Owen Garvan for praise: "He has impressed me once again. Like a lot of players he has shown me he wants to be in that team come the beginning of the season.”

Trialist Shane O'Connor, who played the first half at Waterford, has also caught the Town boss's during his two weeks at Portman Road: "It was good for Shane to get a run out and he has impressed everyone at the football club.”

Last month chef executive Simon Clegg told TWTD that the club had received interest in a number of their players. While Danny Haynes was sold to Bristol City for £400,000 earlier in the week, Keane says other bids have been less acceptable: "We have had offers but we weren't happy with the offers we had for two of our players and it is up to those clubs to come back.

"I would not say there will be anyone coming in during the next week or two. Before we bring in anyone else we may have to let one or two go.”

Keane has also confirmed that the move for Sunderland's Daryl Murphy is "dead in the water” despite the Irish striker failing to agree terms with Hull City.

The Blues train today before tomorrow's friendly at Cork City (KO 4pm), which Keane hopes will raise money for the League of Ireland side. Cork are currently in examinership (the Irish version of administration) and earlier this week were given two weeks to settle their six-figure debt with the Irish tax authorities.

Keane said: "If it can get a few bob into the club, fantastic. Cork City have had their troubles but, please God, if there's a decent gate, it will help.

"League of Ireland clubs have lost out over the last few years with a lot of players going to England and the clubs probably not getting their just reward. So, if we can help them raise a few bob, fantastic, although the main reason we come here in pre-season is for tough games.

"Hopefully Cork City will survive their troubles. The city of Cork has a great tradition in a lot of sports – hurling, football, every sport going. And they love their football there. Hopefully, they'll get through it."

Photo: Action Images

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