Roy Keane hopes that the side’s success in the Carling Cup after Ipswich beat Northampton Town 3-1 to move into the last eight will help to convince club owner Marcus Evans to release funds for more players that would allow the team to push for promotion to the Premier League.

Keane admitted that doing well in the Championship and getting into the top flight was Ipswich’s “bread and butter” but he lacks strength and quality in certain areas of the squad to do better.

“I would like a home tie in the next round and I never complain about winning a football match,” said Keane.

“But the Championship is our bread and butter and our mindset must be for Saturday’s home game against Millwall now.”

Keane did not have youngster Connor Wickham available for selection due to an injury picked up in training and the manager pointed that out as a case in point for squad strengthening come the January transfer window.

“This has reduced our attacking options compared to other clubs in the Championship and we must hang on in near the top of table until January,” added Keane.

“There is a knack of getting the go-ahead to making signings and I will be keeping on at the owner.

“Most of the club’s financial decisions I agree with.”

One player Keane remains interested in is striker Ishmael Miller who is currently on loan from West Bromwich Albion. Miller came off the bench during the win over Leicester City last weekend after recovering from injury.

“He will have plenty of options but he is a good player and I am always interested in good players if they are available.” said Keane.

“We are up against it bringing players to Suffolk. I don’t think we’d be the first option for players, particularly from Premier League clubs.

“What we may have to do is look as some younger players, or players coming back from injury and there is an element of a gamble there, a balancing act.”

Tags: English League Championship, football managers, Ipswich Town, Roy Keane, transfer news