Keane still keen to strengthen his hand as Blues keep that early wind firmly in the sails

Town’s day got better and better this weekend.

An away draw at Millwall in the third round of the Carling Cup was the undoubted low point; but after picking out the plum tie of the round this morning, so come this afternoon and all was smiles at Portman Road.

A 2-0 win over visitors Bristol City propelled Blues into third spot in the Championship table and with new-boy Jason Scotland marking his home debut by grabbing the second, all-important strike so Roy Keane’s day was all-but complete.

A very good day at the office as Town’s unbeaten start to the new campaign continued in front of the delighted home faithful.

It could have been more; three times the woodwork denied Town their just desserts before Tamas Priskin took full advantage of a slip from England World Cup keeper David James to drill Town ahead almost on the hour mark.

With Priskin, Grant Leadbitter and Scotland all being denied by the frame of the goal, it was left to the Town new-boy to wrap up a richly-deserved first home win of the season when he latched onto a Priskin rebound for No2 some 15 minutes from the end.

“We’re pleased,” Keane told BBC Radio Suffolk afterwards.

As well he should be; things are ticking over quite nicely now. Whether or not – in private – the manager would like to see the colour of Marcus Evans’ money ahead of the transfer window closing next week is another matter.

Of course, given the start Town have already enjoyed, the Irishman could prove to be a victim of his own success – ‘You’re doing just fine with what you’ve got, Roy…’ is an easy line for the board to pedal.

Particularly with Master Wickham still to be added to the mix.

With a clean sheet and no fresh injuries to report on the back of today’s success, Keane has every reason to enjoy his Bank Holiday weekend.

There was a word of praise for Priskin who earned his due reward for ‘chasing a lost cause’ in the manager’s words.

“The rewards are great for strikers if they keep chasing – and he had a hand in the second goal for Jason. In fact he [Scotland] could probably have had a hat-trick.

“So they’ll both be pleased and, hopefully, the fans will be delighted. But, listen, we all know there’s a long way to go; no-one should get carried away – there’s pit-falls ahead.”

Keane muttered about Town discovering the art of winning whilst not playing well; that their performance was a little stop-start before the break; after it and one or tweaks later, things clicked into gear.

It may yet prove to be the case that the Class of 2010 are remembered more for their graft than their craft but so be it. This is a league where you’ve got half a chance if you work hard.

Keane looked back at that first game of the season away at Middlesbrough; it was off that winning platform that Town have gone on to claim those ten points from the first available 12.

“We just concentrated on that first game of the season,” he told Radio Suffolk.

“I think going up to Middlesbrough the expectations were quite low, but we surprised one or two people and all we have to do now – if we can – is to keep surprising people.”

No surpises as to that cup draw – away from home. Again.

“It’s going to be a tough game, but at least its not too bad in terms of the journey,” said Keane.

He wasn’t going to go completely quietly into the night re the depth of his squad. There was still time for one last appeal.

“I think if you looked at the bench again today – and I’m sure people are sick of me saying it – but we do need strengthening.

“There’s some tough months ahead of us; tough games away from home in the winter months and any more injuries and we’d be in big trouble.”