ROY Keane has no fears about putting youngsters into battle when the Championship season kicks-off.

The Ipswich Town manager says that it could be the best thing that could happen to the club if the likes of Luke Hyam, Reggie Lambe, Jack Ainsley and Troy Brown were given their head.

“I played for managers who were not afraid to blood youngsters and I was one who benefitted from that,” said Keane, who faces missing a number of key players from last season for the league opener at Middlesbrough on Saturday week.

“By the time the season starts for real we will be ready and the young lads will be ready, and it could be the best thing that ever happened to the club,” he said.

Keane was pleased with the work-out his side had in their 1-0 victory at Ryman League Bury Town last night, when he was missing Damien Delaney, Connor Wickham, David Norris and Luca Civelli through injury.

Also missing were Alex Bruce, Jon Stead and Owen Garvan who have been given permission to speak to Leeds United, Blackpool and Crystal Palace respectively about personal terms after fees were agreed between the clubs.

“It is up the players now whether they go or not,” added Keane. “But we look like seeing players going out rather than in over the next few days.

“This puts emphasis on our younger players getting a chance, but as I say this could be just what the club needs.”

Keane has not given up hope of signing keeper Marton Fulop from Sunderland despite negotiations breaking down over personal terms.

“We were after a loan deal to start with,” confirmed Keane. “Hopefully we can still get Marton, but if not I have another keeper in mind.

“I want to have three experienced keepers after the bizarre way last season went in that department.”

Keane says that Civelli should be fit again in 10 days after taking a knock against Leiston on Tuesday on the right knee he seriously damaged in 2009.

“It should only be a minor setback,” added the confident- sounding Keane, who had praise for both Leiston and Bury Town. “I was impressed with the Bury keeper and a couple of Leiston players and both clubs turned in excellent displays to show the strength of football in the area.”