IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane today talked of the ‘dreaded’ budget word and disclosed that he expects to have to ship players out before bringing in newcomers in during next month’s transfer window.

He is adamant that he needs to strengthen, but knows it will not be easy.

“Can we bring players in – and can we keep players here?” pondered Keane.

“Clubs out there know the situation regarding Gareth McAuley and David Norris and they could come in with a snidey deal.

“It will be interesting to see where we stand in a few weeks’ time - not just points-wise but which players we have by then.

“The dreaded budget word plays such a major part and as far as I am concerned we might get an offer for a player and I might get some money.

“If so brilliant, if not we might have to go back with the loan system, which are not ideal. It’s in the lap of the Gods.

“Our loan players have done well, but we know that we have to build our own squad.

“We did not bring in Jason Scotland until Jon Walters had gone out earlier this season and it might be the same again in January.”

Keane is giving his players tomorrow off before Sunday’s Championship game against Watford at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

“They are professionals and I’m sure we can trust them,” added Keane.

“It’s an important game and after training today they will be reminded of their responsibilities.

“We shouldn’t forget what Christmas is all about and a big dinner at 2pm or 3pm is fine as long as they are not eating turkey or getting stuck in to a selection box in the evening.

“Those with families will appreciate being at home and I know we can trust them to get a good sleep and keep off the drink.”

Keane says that he is confident the match will go ahead with the pitch covered yesterday adding: “I’ve had a word with the groundsman and he does not see any problems despite some problems with a couple of pipes.

“If we played the game against Leicester anything else should be a doddle.

“The cold weather has not helped our training, but it could have been a lot worse and we’ve put it back to 11am and only had a couple of sessions in the indoor dome.”

If Carlos Edwards features on Sunday it will be 50th league appearance while Jack Colback is two games away from his league 50, while Connor Wickham needs three more to reach 50 in total and David Norris four more to reach 100.