IPSWICH TOWN: Roy Keane has warned his players against feeling too at home this afternoon when they face Bristol City (kick-off, 3pm).

Elvin King

IPSWICH TOWN: Roy Keane has warned his players against feeling too at home this afternoon when they face Bristol City (kick-off, 3pm).

Town return to Portman Road for the first time in three weeks having collected seven points in a punishing schedule of four consecutive away games.

“It's been a difficult run of games, playing teams around us and a bit of travelling,” admitted Keane.

“It'll be nice to be back playing at home.

“But we mustn't fall into the trap of thinking life will be easy playing at home.

“We've got to be switched on. There will be no automatic victory.

“If we're not giving 100% we'll get beaten today. I've no doubt about that.

“Physical work never killed anybody and we can overcome any fatigue. To be mentally prepared is vital - and we will be.”

Town are unbeaten at home for 10 matches - their last defeat on Suffolk soil was the 4-0 reverse to Newcastle United on September 26.

“We've had a good recent reaction from players and supporters, but now we need to kick on and get a run of victories because we're still down there fighting,” added Keane.

“We know that if we don't win today and other results go against us we could be down edging on the drop zone again.

“If we perform like we have in the last couple of games we should be fine.

“We know that on our day we can cause any team problems but it's doing it week in, week out.”

Keane is happy with the squad he currently has and will not be adding to it, but says that it can take three, four or five years to build a team.

“To sort a football club out it can take that long,” added Keane.

“I can't imagine anybody going out before the end of the season, but I have the option of bringing one in.

“We are okay for strikers and midfielders but have one position where we are a bit short.”

Town goalkeeper Brian Murphy has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for next Tuesday's game against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal.