IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane will be under less pressure to gain a result at Cardiff tomorrow than Bluebirds manager David Jones.Keane's Ipswich Town may be in a precarious Championship position, and will start at the Welsh club's new stadium (kick-off 3pm) more than one victory away from safety.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane will be under less pressure to gain a result at Cardiff tomorrow than Bluebirds manager David Jones.

Keane's Ipswich Town may be in a precarious Championship position, and will start at the Welsh club's new stadium (kick-off 3pm) more than one victory away from safety.

But it is Jones who is more likely to come under attack from supporters.

While Blues fans have stayed loyal to Keane and backed him through the club's worst start to any season, Cardiff followers are at odds with Jones after three games without a win including defeat to arch Welsh rivals Swansea.

Cardiff went into the weekend in fifth place, but Jones' laid-back appearance during games has not endeared him to fans still disappointed at a failure to secure a play-off place last season.

Jones still has the backing and support of chairman Peter Ridsdale and the board, but needs a result tomorrow to regain the faith of the fans.

Ipswich are expected to take around 800 followers to the Welsh capital, but it is up for debate how long they will stay behind Keane if results do not quickly improve.

“If results don't improve I will find myself under severe pressure in the next few weeks,” said Keane.

Keane could have done with not losing loan keeper Asmir Begovic back to Portsmouth. Just four goals conceded in the six unbeaten games he played is evidence of the effect the Bosnian had on the side.

But Keane has confidence in Richard Wright although he refused to confirm the ex-England man, who saved a penalty last April when Keane won his first Ipswich game in charge 3-0, would regain his place.

“Whether I go for Richard or Arran Lee-Barrett I'm sure they'll be okay,” added Keane. “Richard did well in a friendly against Celtic in midweek and knuckled down after being left out.”

Keane did not rule out that he tried to bring in a new loan keeper this week, adding: “I hoped to bring in more than just Stern John, but we were unable to get there.”

Lee-Barrett is a former Cardiff keeper having made one appearance for the Bluebirds.

Keane was happy with the recalled Owen Garvan's output against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday. “Owen's stats were good and I could see with my own eyes that he did well.

“He has shown what it takes to get back into the first team scene, and 99% will not do in training or games. If players give 100% they will be involved.

“There is a good spirit in the camp, and this will help get us through. I have to be wary of upsetting this when considering loan - or permanent - signings.

“Our numbers are okay with 21 first teamers training yesterday, and we aren't in the league to consider bringing in the likes of Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent.”