IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane has the look of a frustrated man these days.

He may well appreciate the reasons behind owner Marcus Evans’ apparent reluctance to finance the signing of the two or three players the manager thinks will make his team into a successful one.

But he finds himself in a Catch 22 situation as he looks to secure his future at Portman Road beyond his current contract that runs out in June.

He owns up to mistakes and knows he didn’t spend the money Evans has already handed him as wisely as he could.

But he doesn’t see his current squad quite having what it takes to improve into a promotion-chasing unit.

There are too many loanees that he has limited control over and too many youngsters still learning their trade.

He is currently confronted with concerns over cementing new deals with Gareth McAuley and David Norris, the lack of movement not improving his humour.

His decision to have Roy Carroll training at the club during the Odense Danish League close season shows his concern at the keeping situation following Brian Murphy’s injury, and Marton Fulop did himself no favours allowing Freddy Eastwood’s 22 yard shot to beat him on Saturday.

What does he do with Tamas Priskin who is currently out of favour with reported interest from Swansea, and can he beat off opposition from Sheffield Wednesday to keep Rory Fallon onboard?

But what is bugging Keane the most is the stalemate he finds himself in over a player he would love to have permanently - Jack Colback.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says that the 21-year-old midfielder is not in his plans and can extend his loan.

Colback says fair enough, but he’s proved himself loan-wise and would like more security with a permanent deal.

Evans says in effect that he’s not coming up with money of that nature (around �1million) easily leaving Keane fretting.

“I’d love Jack to stay and I’ve had conversations with Steve Bruce,” said Keane.

“I’ve had a conversation with Jack and sometimes a player wants something more permanent, which I understand 100%. He wants a bit of security and a bit of certainty of where their future lies.

“We might not be able to agree a fee with Sunderland and we might not have any money to spend on Jack.

“Then Jack would be going back, or in the worst case of scenario, he could be going to another club, permanently.

“If you think Jack is going to be cheap, Brucey has sold some young players for a lot of money over the last year or two.“