THERE will be no transfer deadline day excitement at Portman Road next week.

Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane confirmed yesterday that striker Jason Scotland, recruited from Wigan Athletic on Monday, would be the last permanent signing before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.

“There will be no new faces, very much so,” confirmed Keane.

“We need some more in, but it’s all very good me sitting here and wishing we could do this and that. Every manager is the same, you’re always looking to strengthen your squad.

“It should be a very quiet Bank Holiday Monday,” added Keane.

Town’s threadbare squad has been seriously stretched during the first three weeks of the season, due to the combination of players leaving the club and the onset of injuries.

While the likes of Owen Garvan (Crystal Palace), Pablo Counago (on loan to Palace), Jon Stead (Bristol City) and Lee Martin (on loan to Charlton) have all left the club in recent weeks, injuries have continued to sideline such key players as Damien Delaney, Connor Wickham and Mark Kennedy. The duo of Luciano Civelli and Alan Quinn are also nursing long-term injuries.

But at least Town have some breathing space, because after tomorrow’s home match against Bristol City, there is a two-week break for internationals.

Keane also has the option of signing loan players, a system that worked so well last season.

The Town boss continued: “Because we’ve had a half-decent start, some people might think that we don’t need to strengthen, but that’s the worst case you can have.

“We will have a look at the loan system, particularly after the international break.

“We were very dependent on our loan players last season, like (Daryl) Murphy, Jack Colback, (David) Healy and the goalkeeper (Amir Begovic), and it looks like that might be the case this year.

“But with loan players you’re in the hands of the gods, waiting for clubs to get back to you. Also, do players want to come here? And some of the deals can be called back (like Portsmouth recalling Begovic last season).

“You have to keep your fingers crossed that you get permission to speak to these players over the next few weeks.

“We’ve brought some good players in already, with Andros (Townsend) and Darren (O’Dea), but I’m always making inquiries.

“And in two or three weeks, hopefully two or three of our important players will be back in the groove. Then our squad won’t be looking that bad,” added Keane, with reference to his injured trio.

Town have already accumulated seven points from their first three league fixtures. It took them 13 matches to reach that tally last season.

Keane recognised the importance of the arrival of loan players, in turning Town’s season around during 2009-10. He admitted: “Without the loan players last year, there’s every chance this club would have been relegated, absolutely.”