IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane today wrote off his team’s chances of reaching the Carling Cup final.

The Blues play Premier League Arsenal in a two-legged semi-final with the first leg at Portman Road on January 12 with the winners playing Birmingham or West Ham at Wembley.

The Gunners, who thrashed Chelsea on Monday, are strong favourites to win the competition and Keane looked forward to crossing swords with Arsene Wenger in realistic tones.

“There is always a chance of a cup shock over one leg particularly if the under dog is at home,” said Keane.

“But over two legs - on paper there is no chance.

“This is the downside of our semi-final games; it is great that we have got there but although we might catch the big boys on an off night they still might do us easily.

“I’m not underestimating what we have achieved with all the other seven quarter-finals coming from the top flight with clubs taking the Carling Cup seriously these days.

“We are going to enjoy the occasions and it will be nice for our fans with our leg I believe going to be a sell out.

“And I shall find out a lot about my players.“

Keane brackets the battles with Arsenal and the FA Cup visit to Chelsea on January 9 with the importance of strengthening his squad and keeping hold of key players during the January transfer window.

“There will be a buzz around because of the cup games and we must guard against taking our eye off what is the bread and butter for us - the Championship.

“The next few weeks are important ones for the club.

“We want to give our fans something to shout about, want to move up the league table; want to improve our squad and want to keep certain players.

“And can we give Arsenal and Chelsea a game?

“There are some nice little things going to happen, but we know the league is the most important.”