IPSWICH manager Roy Keane today admitted that it has not proving plain sailing bringing in players to boost his side's Premier League promotion chances.

Elvin King

IPSWICH manager Roy Keane today admitted that it has not proving plain sailing bringing in players to boost his side's Premier League promotion chances.

The Blues boss is still hoping to bring in one or two additions before the Championship season begins at Coventry on Sunday week.

“It is proving difficult,” said Keane, who was happy with a young side's display in a 2-1 defeat at Charlton last night.

“We have a price in mind for players but it has not always gone to plan.

“There is unlikely to be anything happening in the next couple of days, but I am hopeful about bringing in one or two by the Coventry match.

“If not then I am sure we will still be fine. But I have players in mind.”

Town were reported to have agreed a �5million deal with Sunderland for Daryl Murphy and midfielder Dean Whitehead with both believed to have travelled to the Blues' training ground with striker Murphy undergoing a medical.

Neither signed and Keane has been left to continue his search.

And he was hit by another injury last night when David Wright hurt his hip and was undergoing a scan today.

Lee Martin and Liam Trotter have hamstring problems while Damien Delaney picked up a twinge in training, and they will be touch and go for Friday's home game against Spanish side Real Valladolid.

On top of this Pablo Counago is still not ready after hurting his groin early in pre-season training, Alan Quinn isn't over his groin problem and Ben Thatcher is recovering from a knee ligament injury.

Fans' favourite Jordan Rhodes also missed last night's game with a minor problem and Keane says that he hopes the 19-year-old will be fit to feature on Friday.

But reports in the north suggest that Huddersfield Town are keen to sign the striker on a permanent basis and are hopeful of success.

League One Huddersfield's interest comes just three days after Rhodes scored against Colchester United and committed himself to Town for the season.

Keane revealed that he had turned down a bid for the precise finisher, who spent much of last season on loan, last week.

“Jordan had a twinge in the morning and I did not want to take any chances with him at Charlton,” said Keane.

“Everton wanted to keep Wayne Rooney, but if an offer comes in sometimes they are accepted.

“Things change in football. But Jordan is an Ipswich player and hopefully he will be fit enough to be considered for Friday's game.

“There has been interest in him from two clubs. But it would not be fair to say which clubs.”

Keane was happy with last night's display. “I enjoyed it,” he said.

“We did not start to play until after they had scored two goals, and the youngsters will learn from that.

“It was nice to see them out there on the pitch and they all did well.

“Shane O'Connor got caught out for the first goal but he showed a good attitude and I was pleased with him.

“I can see him playing in midfield, but he did well at left back for us.

“With games coming thick and fast I had to give some players 90 minutes still because of our injury situation.

“We have to share the load and this was a good test for the boys.”