Keane begins Portman Road cull

ROY KEANE has wielded the axe at Ipswich Town releasing seven players including fellow Cork man Billy Clarke as he begins his rebuilding plans at Portman Road.

Former Bolton defender Ivan Campo, Tommy Miller, Clarke, Dean Bowditch and Chris Casement have been told they can move on.

Keane is in talks with Alex Bruce, Ireland’s Shane Supple and Ed Upson about extending their stays at Portman Road.

Keane said: “It’s been a difficult time over the last two days and without doubt it’s the hardest part of my job, letting players go.”

“Hopefully I’ve made the right decisions but I want to wish all the players well because they have given their best for the football club.”

Meanwhile in Scotland, Hamilton boss Billy Reid has warned James McCarthy’s suitors to forget about landing Hamilton’s teen sensation on the cheap.

Accies this week knocked back a bid from Portsmouth for their star Republic of Ireland midfielder for a reported £500,000 fee.

“We can’t influence what people value him at and put offers in at,” Reid said. “The one thing you can guarantee is James won’t leave unless it’s for decent money and he’ll go to a club that he wants to go to.”