ROY Keane is hoping to complete the signing of at least one, possibly two, new new players within the next 48 hours.

Derek Davis

ROY Keane is hoping to complete the signing of at least one, possibly two new players within the next 48 hours.

The Blues boss revealed this morning that he is looking to have a new striker in place in time for the season opener at Coventry City on Sunday

Although Keane would not name names it is widely believed that Tamas Priskin and Daryl Murphy are his top targets although Ipswich are also in talks with another, so far unnamed, player.

Keane said: “I'm hopeful that over the next 48 hours that we will be adding at least one new striker to the club because that is an area we need to strengthen in, particularly as I have let striker so.

“If you look at the goals we scored last year, 62 goals, we need more than that because goals win games.

“There is a good chance that the striker will be in place for the Coventry game but if not then we will focus on the group we have.

“We coaching staff are like supporters in a way because we would like the deals done yesterday but they can take time.

“There are valuations clubs have and personal terms to be discussed and they take time.”

Keane welcomed Jack Colback to the club after signing the Sunderland midfielder on loan until January.

He said: “Jack will train today and be involved with the first team squad straight away.

“He is a very good player. Tenacious with good energy and he can tackle so he will do well for us.”

Upbeat Keane is optimistic that Town will do well this season and the bookies odds of 12-1 for them to go up were 'very good'.

He said: “I'm really looking forward to the start of the season. I'm pleased with the work we have put in, with the spirit of the group and even though we are still maybe short of two or three players I believe we have a very good chance of getting promoted this season.”

Although Pablo Counago and Ben Thatcher won't be fit, Town have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to the Ricoh Arena.