IPSWICH TOWN: The Blues have been crying out for a 15 to 20-goal a season marksman since the days of Darren Bent, Shefki Kuqi and Marcus Stewart.

And they look to have found one in �750,000 signing Jason Scotland, who notched his fourth goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Coventry.

The 31-year-old was denied further goals by Sky Blues keeper Keiren Westwood and looks to have regained the confidence and poise that made him a 24-goal-a-season man at Swansea.

Town manager Roy Keane agrees. He said: “Jason scored from what was not even a half chance.

“It was a plus for us from the game and Jason carried a goal threat throughout the match.”

Keane bemoaned another slow start, and said: “I was happy to go in just 1-0 down at the interval.

“After that we did okay but we have to learn how to gain results when not playing at our best.

“I accept we didn’t play well, but we should still have got something out of the game - and that is frustrating.

“We conceded two bad goals and I have no complaints over the penalty decision. It was criminal by us.

“You’re always telling your defenders to stay on the feet.

“When you don’t do that you’re in trouble.

“It’s not all about being a hero and diving in. It’s about using your brain.

“Coventry were direct with two lively players up front and we got stuck between a rock and a hard place not knowing what to do.”

And Keane, who confirmed he took Luke Hyam off at the interval for tactical reasons, added: “We needed to show a bit more quality.

“If we could keep a clean sheet in the second half we knew we were capable of getting one goal.”

And reflecting on the re-signing of Jack Colback, Keane went on: “I had to be paitent, but have wanted Jack back.

“Saturday was too late as the deal was not finalised until Friday evening, but Jack will come into contention for tomorrow’s match at Watford.“