IPSWICH TOWN: Roy Keane would love to see the North Stand rocking tonight when Portman Road stages its biggest match for years.

Not since the Championship play-off semi-final first leg against West Ham in May 2005 has there been a game that has so much at stake - had so much importance.

The Blues face Premier League West Brom in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup (kick-off 7.45pm) – just two wins away from a Wembley final.

Manager Keane is under fire from supporters after a run of four consecutive defeats has seen his side slip down to the lower part of the Championship, and many see tonight’s game as one his team needs to win to keep the season alive.

Many regulars are expected to vote with their feet and give this huge game a miss, and on the back of their poor recent displays Keane’s team will start clear outsiders.

What support he gets from the stands remains to be seen, but Keane admitted: “I’d love to see the fans right behind us.

“It’s been a roller coaster season with some dips, but the roller coaster is still going.

“A good result against West Brom would not right the wrongs of the last few games, but it would be a step in winning back our fans.

“They pay their money, and I understand it has been hard for them but please God they will get behind us tonight and get behind the team and the youngsters and see where that takes us.

“It’s a big night and there is a big carrot, and these occasions don’t come along very often.”