MARCUS Evans seems in no rush to give his manager, Roy Keane, the financial backing that the Irishman craves at the start of this month’s important transfer window.

MARCUS Evans seems in no rush to give his manager, Roy Keane, the financial backing that the Irishman craves at the start of this month’s important transfer window.

During Saturday’s post match press conference, following Town’s 1-1 draw at Coventry City, Keane revealed that he had already had a conversation with the club’s owner about the need to bolster the squad.

But Mr Evans’ response – “we’ll play it by ear” – was hardly the phrase that Keane wanted to hear.

No wonder, then, that the Irishman was in a fiesty mood at the Ricoh Arena, having also seen his side drop two points against the Sky Blues.

Rory Fallon’s first goal for Town, just before half-time, was cancelled out by City’s route one equaliser from Freddy Eastwood early in the second period.

Aidy Boothroyd’s hosts were reduced to 10 men for the final half-hour, following Marlon King’s dismissal for a two-footed challenge on Darren O’Dea, but Town could not make their numerical advantage count.

They are back in action this afternoon, at home to Nottingham Forest.

“I’ve had conversations over the last 24 hours with the owner,” revealed Keane.

“And we are playing it by ear, shall we say.”

These are uncertain times at Portman Road. Tamas Priskin was left out of the 18-man squad at Coventry, having been linked with a loan switch to Swansea, while Keane also admitted that an extension to Jack Colback’s loan deal was far from a done deal.

Midfielder Colback’s loan stay at Town expires later this month, and initial reports that this deal from Sunderland would be extended until the end of the campaign appear off-the-mark.

In fact, Keane intimated that Colback was looking for a permanent move, which might prove beyond the Suffolk club.

“I don’t know if he (Colback) is going to stay longer,” admitted Keane.

“I’ve had conversations with (Steve) Bruce, and I’ll follow it up again next week, but because ourselves and Sunderland might have an agreement, it doesn’t mean that Jack is going to have an agreement with the club.

“I’ve not had any confirmation yet from Sunderland, and a lot can happen over the next couple of weeks.

“Not every player wants to go on loan all the time. I’ve had a conversation with Jack. Sometimes a player wants something a bit more permanent, which I understand 100%. But he’s my type of player, and of course I’d like to sign him.”

Keane refused to be drawn on Priskin’s imediate future. He insisted: “I’d rather not have that conversation today.”