Richard Keogh has one eye firmly on a career in coaching but remains fully focused on helping Ipswich Town on the pitch. 

The veteran centre-half, 36, joined the Blues in the summer and has quickly become a valuable member of Kieran McKenna’s squad, with his experience proving important for the club’s younger players. 

Keogh is working towards his coaching badges, with the goal of remaining in the game after he retires from playing. That’s not a move he wishes to make just yet, though. 

“Naturally people will ask this question of me because I am coming towards the twilight years of my career,” Keogh said. 

“It’s something I’m definitely thinking about. I’ve done by UEFA B badges and will be applying for the A Licence course shortly.  

“I absolutely love playing and still feel like I can contribute to the team, either in training or when I’ve played in games. But when you get to this point of your career you are silly not to have one eye on something else, because that’s the reality of the situation. 

“I’ve been making steps towards that over the last three years or so, trying to put things in place, so it’s about having one eye there and keeping myself right to perform at my level on the pitch.” 

While a move into coaching with Ipswich is certainly a possibility, when the time comes for Keogh to end his playing career, the former Republic of Ireland international is enjoying the learning opportunities available to him at Town under McKenna. 

“For me this a great environment to learn from. I’ve learnt so much in the three months I’ve been here from the manager and his staff, tapping into it and being like a sponge to take on knowledge. 

“I feel like that helps me improve as a player as well, so that’s a real benefit.” 

Keogh has made eight appearances in total, though only one league start, but is likely to be in the side for Town’s FA Cup trip to Bracknell on Monday night.