Boss Paul Lambert has praised striker Will Keane’s recent performances, the former loanee having become an increasingly regular fixture up front for the Blues in recent weeks.

Keane joined Town on a permanent basis in the summer after leavnig Hull City following his loan spell at Portman Road in the second half of last season.

The Mancunian has gradually grown into the season having recovered from the hamstring surgery he underwent at the start of the summer.

“He’s been excellent,” Lambert said. “His touch, his movement and work rate. I think he’s been absolutely excellent.

“And I think he’s playing like somebody that knows he’s playing with confidence and I think that’s the great thing about Keane at the minute.”

Despite his impressive overall performances, Lambert admits the 27-year-old would benefit from a goal, the most recent of his six so far this season having come in the 4-1 victory over Accrington on January 11th.

“He does, but I tell you what, if one comes into that box and it falls to him you think ‘This is a goal this’. That’s how confident I am with him, that if the boy gets a chance, he will definitely score.

“I’ve said before the big thing about Will Keane was his injuries, that was the thing. But football-wise there’s a massive player in there.

“He’s got a great touch, he’s great with the ball, so again, if we can keep him fit then, you’ve got a player on your hands.”

If the former Manchester United academy youngster stays fit then his Town spell could reinvigorate a career which has been hampered by those injury problems.

“It could,” Lambert continued. “As I’ve said, he’s playing the games now and doesn’t really feel any fatigue or any soreness as such. And performance-wise at the minute he playing really, really well.”

Meanwhile, January loan signing Josh Earl similarly impressed on his home debut in the 4-1 victory over Burton last week.

“He was really unfortunate when he fractured his cheekbone and the team was on a good run when he came in, and it was just about biding his time,” Lambert said of the Preston defender. “Left foot, strong, aggressive, very good, he did very well last week.”

Photo: TWTD

JewellintheTown added 12:25 - Feb 21 Keane: Oh simple thing where have you gone? I'm getting old and I need something to rely on So tell me when you're gonna score some goals I'm getting tired and I need some bread rolls
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runningout added 12:44 - Feb 21 as Daryl Murphy was available at similar time to Will Keane, my opinion is comparing the two. Keane is not there yet
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Edmundo added 12:44 - Feb 21 Like quite a few others I could mention, he needs to get a shot away and should he get it on target it's likely to be in. Nearly all the keepers in this league are bobbins.
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DurhamTownFan added 16:17 - Feb 21 His all round play looks excellent but like the whole team, what's the point unless we score? Must do better if we are to do the increasingly unlikely and go on a run
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TimmyH added 18:26 - Feb 21 Another player whom Lambert see's as 'Excellent'...you'd think we were top of the league.
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Linkboy13 added 09:38 - Feb 22 He's done ok but like most players in our squad he's been average. For me there's only four players in our squad who have had reasonable seasons based on facts not on if i like the colour of their eyes they are Downes ,Wolfenden, Jackson, and KVY possibly Norwood when he's been bothered.
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heathen66 added 11:08 - Feb 22 Agree Linkboy13. What can he say, wrt Keane now that he has no choice but to play him with Norwood now out for a period of time. He is not a true goalscorer and will never get you 20 goals but can bring players in, although have just looked at his stats and has not provided one assist yet this season !!!. I wish I has just £1 for every time PL says 'Excellent'. Every interview...We were Excellent, He was excellent.

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