IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane has re-confirmed his faith in Lee Martin despite the 23-year-old’s failure to impress since his arrival from Manchester United 18 months ago.

Signed on a four year contract and for a fee of �1.6million Martin has made just 16 appearances and is currently on loan at League One Charlton Athletic.

Keane denied the Londoners permission to use Martin in the four FA Cup ties they have played prior to Sunday’s visit to Tottenham.

He has the right to recall Martin, who has made 25 appearances for Charlton and scored three goals, with the player expected to be idle this weekend.

“I’ve not given up on Lee,” said Keane, who along with his players had yesterday off.

“Lee is a talented player and there could be a place for him.

“Along with our other loanees Pablo Counago and Kevin Lisbie there is the possibility of bringing him back this month.

“We have options and we will consider everything.”

Counago is on loan at Crystal Palace with fellow striker Lisbie at Millwall both having agreed season-long loans with their Town contracts running out in the summer.

Town have again been linked with QPR midfielder Mikele Leigertwood, who is currently on loan with Reading until January 25.

The 28-year-old is contracted to Rangers until June 2012, and is believed to be set to stay with Reading either on a permanent deal or by having his loan extended.

While Keane is known to have enquired about experienced defender Andy O’Brien who moved from Bolton to Leeds on a permanent deal this week it is reported that he has again targeted Kevin Kilbane.

But the left-sided player has moved from Hull City to League One Huddersfield United.

A lack of finance is currently hindering Keane in his search to improve his squad with club owner Marcus Evans understandably reluctant to shell out money with his manager’s contract up in the summer.

Keane might see striker Tamas Priskin as a means to raise money with Swansea City and Southampton said to be interested in taking onboard the Hungarian international who cost Keane �1.7million 18 months ago.

Ipswich are said to be one of the teams interested in VVV Venlo striker Ruud Boymans. The 21-year-old has scored nine league goals in the Dutch League this season.