KEITH Andrews is again expected to captain Ipswich Town in their crucial trip to Barnsley tomorrow night.

The on-loan midfielder should lead the Blues out for the third time with Grant Leadbitter still struggling with a groin injury.

But while proud to captain Ipswich, it comes against a backdrop of internet rumours linking him with a move to arch rivals Norwich City – something we understand is unlikely to happen.

That said, manager Paul Jewell yesterday admitted he may struggle to keep Andrews beyond his half-season loan.

The Republic of Ireland international has been one of the club’s most consistent performers during a rollercoaster start to the campaign.

His six goals from midfield means he is joint top scorer at present with striker Michael Chopra, while his leadership qualities have seen him handed the captaincy for the last two games.

The 31-year-old sees his loan spell from Premier League club Blackburn expire in the New Year though.

And while the player has admitted he sees no future for himself at Rovers, Jewell is fully aware that other top-flight clubs will be interested.

“The problem for us is that Keith has done so well and scored lots of goals for us,” said Jewell.

“We’d love to keep him but he has another year to go on a Premier League contract at a Premier League club.

“We are trying to sort it out but we will have a lot of competition.

“It is not that I am not confident (that Ipswich can keep him), I know Keith likes it here, but whether we do will be down to finances.”

Speaking about the captaincy after last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Watford, Andrews said: “It was fantastic. I said when I signed I was proud to be going to a club with such a proud history.

“Grant is obviously the captain but he is out injured for a couple of weeks. I was honoured to wear the armband.”