IPSWICH TOWN: Roy Keane today revealed that he was attracted to the Blues manager’s job because he knew he would get a fair deal from fans.

Keane leads his team into Carling Cup fourth round action against League Two Northampton Town at Portman Road tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) under pressure following three straight Championship defeats.

If the Cobblers were to follow up their third round victory at Liverpool with another success, Keane could well be the target of heavy criticism from the stands.

A win and it will be all smiles with Town two wins away from Wembley.

Implying that his confidence in his ability to continue being a success after managing Sunderland to the Premier League was not high when he took the Ipswich job in April 2009, Keane said:

“Our fans were unbelievably patient last season and they’ve been fine since I walked through the door.

“It was one of the reasons that I took the job – I knew I would be given the benefit of the doubt.

“Other fans at other clubs would have turned.”

Keane played a dangerous game when he accused Town fans of not understanding the game after criticism of his young players during the home defeat by Coventry on October 16.

“I live in the real world and I know the current frustrations,” added Keane.

“It’s why I enjoy being a manager – having these type of things to sort out.

“Our fans were right behind the team on Saturday at Nottingham Forest, and they are intelligent people although a little more support for our youngsters would be appreciated.”

Keane’s comment last week that he expects QPR and Cardiff City to take the automatic promotion places could be interpreted as an indictment on his players.

But his claim is different explaining: “I made a point, but as often happens it was blown out of all proportion.

“I’m not writing the season off – I’m just aware of where we are.

“I enjoy working with the players and they are an honest punch doing their best.

“Three straight defeats is not good, but we’ll be okay with tonight’s game giving us a chance to bounce back.”

Keane is in discussions for one more loan player with a striker his target.

He said: “I think we need one more player, and you need to be Einstein to work out where that might be.”