IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane knows that defeat against Reading at the Madejski Stadium today (kick-off 3pm) will hurt more than usual.When the Blues were left devastated by a last-second Jon Macken Barnsley winner on October 3 they had to endure the pain for a fortnight before their next match.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane knows that defeat against Reading at the Madejski Stadium today (kick-off 3pm) will hurt more than usual.

When the Blues were left devastated by a last-second Jon Macken Barnsley winner on October 3 they had to endure the pain for a fortnight before their next match.

There is another international break next week, and Keane does not want to go through the same agony again.

“If you ask every manager up and down the country when is the best time to get a good result and they'll say before an international break,” said Keane.

“That's because there can be a long two weeks if you don't.

“Sometimes you have a bad result on Saturday but you have another game on Tuesday.

“I will be looking for a positive result, and with two or three players going away on international duty we want them to go in a decent mood.”

And talking of the fear of losing, Keane says that his players should not be affected by this despite going into today's match at the foot of the Championship table.

“We all came into football to enjoy it, so fear shouldn't come into it,” he added.

“The worst thing that could possibly happen is that I would lose my job.

“That wouldn't be the end of the world. Life would go on and Ipswich would go on.

“So there's nothing to be fearful about. Lots of people lose their jobs.

“I haven't noticed any fear in my players and that's how it should be.

“They are playing a game. It's a challenge and it should be enjoyed.”

Recently reported to be worth almost �30million, Keane laughed it off and quipped: “You mustn't believe all you read although my wife certainly showed an interest.

“I came into the game to enjoy it and that's what I've tried to do. I may have made some money along the way but enjoyment is the main thing.”

Liam Rosenior will be facing his parent club today having been released on a year-long loan to Ipswich. The defender says that he has no intention of going back to Reading with his contract with the Royals ending in June.

Will he become a permanent Town player next season?

“Liam's done well and we're delighted with him,” said Keane.

“He's got a good attitude and been playing well. He's got good attributes and has a good chance of becoming a very good player.

“There's a long way to go until the end of the season and we'll play it by ear. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

“We might be keen to sign him but it depends on the player. He'll be a free agent and I'm sure he'll have different options.”