ROY Keane believes Colin Healy will add much-needed steel to the Blues.

Derek Davis

ROY Keane believes Colin Healy will add much-needed steel to the Blues.

The former Celtic and Sunderland midfielder is expected to sign for Ipswich town today after Cork City agreed a �60,000 bid for the 28-year-old, although after the 2-0 defeat at Turner's Cross Keane had dismissed suggestions he was still interested in the Leesiders' star.

Keane today said: “After the game I took stock and thought about what I need. I know he is a very good character and he will add a bit more steel to the spine of our team.

“I have played against him a few times and know what he can do.

“He has played 20 or so games this season so he will be ready to come straight in and I look forward to him coming in.”

Healy is due to complete his move to Portman Road today while Keane has dismissed suggestions that Alan Quinn is on his way to Barnsley.

Keane said: “No club has permission to speak with Alan. Lots of managers speak with agents but we have had no offers for Alan Quinn.”

He has also ended interest in Belgium defender Carl Hoefkens who has had a short trial with Town.

“He won't be signing for Ipswich. We didn't see enough of him. He trained the one day and we never saw him again.

“We were hoping he would stay a week or two.

“It is nothing personal with the boy but we won't be taking it further.”

Town have also accepted an offer for one of their strikers who will be given permission to talk to the buying club this morning.

Keane did not want to name the player until he had spoken to him this morning and outlined the situation.

Keane last night said: “We have accepted an offer for one of our strikers and I will speak with him in the morning.

“We will give permission for the player to speak but that doesn't mean a deal is done or anything like that

“We have to wheel and deal like everyone else and there may even be a few more offers to come.”

Liam Trotter scored twice to gave Town victory at Southend and Keane was happy enough with his team's efforts.

Keane said: “I really enjoyed the game. In the first half we were threatening to do better than we were but the signs were decent.

“In the second half we finished with a couple of goals and it was a good work out.

“Alex Bruce got a kick on the shin and that injury was the only downside but hopefully it is not too serious.

“We might have scored one or two more goals but certainly the energy levels were higher than the weekend.”

Pablo Counago and Kevin Lisbie could be involved in a Town XI's friendly at Clacton tonight.