GARETH McAuley, one of Ipswich Town’ senior professionals, has given a thumbs up to manager Roy Keane’s methods.

GARETH McAuley, one of Ipswich Town’ senior professionals, has given a thumbs up to manager Roy Keane’s methods.

The central defender has said that Keane was right to lay the law down for 80 minutes in the Vicarage Road changing room after last week’s 2-1 defeat at Watford.

“It was justified,” said McAuley.

“You only have to look at our performance to see that.

“In life - let alone football - if you do not do your job properly then you deserve an ear bashing.

“You expect to be told and we have no problem with that. We took it on the chin and moved on with a win over Scunthorpe last weekend.

“We uses it to fire and drive us on to get things right.”

With Tuesday’s home defeat by Plymouth speculation remains over the future of Keane with his team lurking close to the relegation zone.

But McAuley confirmed that he is already looking forward to working with the former Manchester United midfielder next term.

“I’m definitely looking to work with the manager on a long term basis,” stressed the Northern Ireland international.

“He wants to bring the best out of you at all times and wants to take the club forward.

“And I can see that happening.

“As players no one can defend themselves about how the season has gone. We all have to hold our hands up.

“You’re always being charged in football and in life. And in particular at Ipswich Town.”

McAuley had joked that he would arrange for his wife and six-week old son Bobby visit Wales for the weekend.

The youngster had been in the stands for the three previous home games before Plymouth – wins against Cardiff City, Scunthorpe and Barnsley.

“In the first three games Bobby was at we did not concede a goal,” said a proud dad.

“I was thinking of taking him to away matches as well!

“He’s growing fast and is a strong little lad.”

And looking ahead to the Swansea match, McAuley went on: “We’ve found it tough to find any consistency and we’re the ones to blame for that.

“Swansea will be tough opponents and we need to all be on our game. We carry afford to carry anybody if we are to pick up results.

“With seven games left we must look to win them all and finish the season on a high.”

McAuley says that with the help of the club’s fitness staff he will be fit to face Swansea.

“I have a groin problem playing twice a week but it will not hinder me,” he said.