Blues boss Roy Keane was delighted with the way his side settled into the Arctic conditions during Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Leicester. The Town manager also had praise for groundsman Alan Ferguson and his staff for making sure the game went ahead and ensuring that it reached its conclusion.

Keane said: “I think we adapted well to it. It was never going to be pretty. Young Shane came back in, Damo was back involved, Chuck played on the right. I think we had a nice bit of energy around the team.

“We sacrificed out and out wingers in Andros and Carlos as I thought we needed more defence-minded players across the midfield four as I think we’ve been very open. I thought all the players adapted well.

“We played to our strengths and adapted to the conditions and scored three good goals. There was good honesty amongst the players, which was reflected particularly in the third goal with Shane not giving up, chasing a lost cause and we got the rewards.”

The Irishman admitted he was concerned when referee Stuart Attwell took the players off in the 59th minute in order than further work was carried out on the pitch: “The fact that we’d scored three goals we were pretty keen for the game to continue. When you go off the pitch you fear for the worst because it wasn’t going to get any better.

“But when we came back out, Alan Ferguson and his groundstaff were pretty busy and working hard for their Christmas boxes! Fergie will be looking for his Christmas box tomorrow! He was going to get a decent one anyway!”

Keane says he wasn’t entirely sure whether the additional break helped to do anything other than heap further pressure on Attwell: “The referee came over and tried to have a conversation with me and Sven but obviously other people were getting their say. He was saying he was going to take us off for 10 minutes to give us a chance to clear the pitch and see what happened from there.

“What the point of that was I don’t know, because it certainly wasn’t going to ease off. But that was the decision he made. The problem was that as soon as we went down the tunnel he was under all sorts of pressure from different people.

“I think it was at its worst with five or 10 minutes to go and he was hardly going to call the game off then.

“Leicester were arguing the case for the game to be off, as you’d expect when they’re 3-0 down. But I understand that, that’s the industry we’re in.”

Like his skipper David Norris, Keane couldn’t recall playing in similar conditions in the past: “I don’t think so, not as bad as that. I don’t think the pitch was too bad. I thought the players were doing OK, both sets of players were trying to pass it. Credit to both sets of players.

“We adapted better, but usually it is the home team that does adapt better for some reason, maybe it was because we’ve not travelled down. Sometimes it creates negative energy when you’re wondering whether the game is off, I’ve had that before as a manager.”

Photo: Action Images

bleedblue added 09:36 - Dec 20 We wanted it on Saturday, Leicester didn't. They must have thought it would be called off so couldn't be bothered! But fair play to the lads, they did a great job and its a much needed 3 points! Glad to see O'Connor playing again, he was excellent and it will do Scotland the world of good grabbing a brace!
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itfc1981 added 09:50 - Dec 20 more defensive! that was the most attacking we have been for months. It just shows what a flop Edwards is. Keep Norris on the right. we need a new central midfieder who can create and proper left-winger now Andros is going. New Fallon would come through. He and Wickham would be great. shame the latter is off.
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Karlosfandangal added 10:37 - Dec 20 Losing Townsend may help us in the long run, With O'Connor on the left and Colbeck moving in to the middle and Norris on the right, Time will tell, Hope we keep the same side for Watford, Maybe Priskin to play instead of Fallon Harsh as Fallon hold up play was great and seemed to help Scotland.
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woollyhattedliberal added 12:27 - Dec 20 to be honest - we aren't a very physical side and a lot of the time we get out muscled. Conditions on Saturday weren't great for throwing your weight about and so it suited us - don't think we had a lot of adapting to do good result though - no complaints
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brian_a_mul added 13:13 - Dec 20 Was a good win and Fallon impressed. Scotland looked more lively beside him. It is obvious he has confidence in Fallon with his great work rate, hold up play and simple passing/lay offs giving Jason the time and space to put them away. This type of game really suited Fallons ability to hold up the ball and make the simple pass. Perfect for the direct style of play. Jason reaped the benefits. Priskin is a different type of striker. Better techniqually on the ball, can turn defenders and is very good at dragging defenders around the box. A bit like Pablo. Wickham and Priskin would be a great pair. Little and large, both have great work rates and both techniqually good and could link up well. Unfortunately we dont have the midfield to support a passing game to get ball quickly into feet. Anyway, Leicester diddnt really turn up and looked a bit bewildered. 3-0 down after 30 min tells you that. A big slice of luck that the team badly needed and hopfully thay can continue and work their way back up the league. The lads have put in a few spitited displays recently, maybe this is the turning point!!

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VILJOEN67 added 21:39 - Dec 20 Please keep o,connor in the side. He has played well each time i have seen him. lots of drive, energy and a good crosser of the ball.
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