IRISH left-back Damien Delaney became Ipswich Town's first major summer signing yesterday - and manager Roy Keane has indicated to fans that up to four more could follow.

Stuart Watson

IRISH left-back Damien Delaney became Ipswich Town's first major summer signing yesterday - and manager Roy Keane has indicated to fans that up to four more could follow.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international - who, like Keane, was born in Cork - arrives from QPR for an undisclosed fee and has signed a two year contract at Portman Road.

“I enjoyed my time at QPR thoroughly,” said Delaney, “but I see Ipswich as a better opportunity for me to progress and become a better player. This was too big an opportunity to turn down.”

And on the day that the Ipswich Town squad returned to the club's Playford Road training ground for the first official day of pre-season training, Keane indicated that he will continue to splash the cash in his bid to get Ipswich promoted to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Prior to news of Delaney's arrival, Keane said: “I hope, in time, to bring in maybe four or five. We are close with two and there will hopefully be another two or three over the next two weeks.

“The fun and games will start over the next few weeks when managers get back to their clubs and take stock of what they've got. It's (transfer market) quite difficult these days with the transfer fees that are mentioned but if you want quality you've got to pay for it.”