IPSWICH TOWN: Roy Keane has blasted Blues fans for their lack of support for his players.

His attack is not so volatile as Bobby Robson once calling members of the Portman Road faithful zombies, but it might not be well received with the majority of Ipswich followers still right behind the manager despite a dreadful 2009/10.

Around 1,000 supporters are expected to be at Vicarage Road tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) when Town look to stay in the top six of the npower Championship with a rare victory over Watford.

But Keane says that the time is right to have a tantrum after he was disgusted at some of the comments directed at his players during Saturday’s home defeat by Coventry City.

“I don’t mind fans criticising me, and it’s my job to get the tactics right,” said Keane. “If I don’t I will be gone by the end of the season.

“But the players deserve encouragement, particularly the younger ones.

“I see praise being handed out to other clubs in the top six, yet all we get here is doom and gloom.”

Keane is well aware of his fate if he doesn’t take Town to – or very close to – the play-offs this season and he knows he needs to get the best out of his inexperienced squad.

He is looking for Town fans to show more patience, adding: “A lot don’t have a clue what they are taking about football-wise.

“Around this part of the world they appear to be set in their ways.

“They don’t know enough about the game and have perhaps become brainwashed by so-called experts.

“Our fans need to read the situation – if they think we are going to dominate for 90 minutes they are cuckoo land and maybe it’s time for me to have a tantrum.

“Instead of moaning and groaning about tactics and systems they should be getting behind the players particular the younger ones, a couple who were in the youth team last season.

“These lads need the benefit of the doubt and encouragement.

“The role Luke Hyam is doing for example is one undertaken at other clubs by seasoned professionals.”

Keane says that he was disappointed that players who returned from international duty did not hit the ground running against Coventry.

“Sometimes players can relax after international duty,” said Keane.

Town have turned down an enquiry for young striker Ronan Murray to go out on loan, but they may listen to loan offers for the likes of Jack Ainsley and Seb Dunbar.

Alan Quinn is back in training and should play in next Wednesday’s reserve game. Reggie Lambe is with Bermuda for an Under-20 tournament and will not be back in time for next Tuesday’s home Carling Cup game against Northampton.