Keane: break could prove a blessing in disguise

ROY KEANE believes Ipswich’s recent postponements could prove a blessing in disguise for the club.

The Tractor Boys manager was not complaining when both of his side’s games over the festive period were called off due to bad weather.

Ipswich’s scheduled clash with Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday fell victim to the big freeze, while their trip to Watford on St Stephen’s Day also fell foul to poor conditions.

And Keane, who is an advocate of a winter break, believes the extra rest will benefit his squad, who travel to Coventry City on Saturday before entertaining Nottingham Forest 48 hours later.

“When you ask players to play four games in eight days you have to be very careful because injuries are going to happen,” Keane said.

“I have players who have been carrying knocks for a month or so and I knew they would not have been in a position to play in every one of those matches.

“It’s not just physically that my players will benefit from a break.

“They will get a boost mentally as well.”

On the issue of the introduction of winter breaks, Keane said: “Winter breaks give players a chance to recharge their batteries and having had a break, I think fans see a better quality of football when they return to action.

“I backed the idea of a winter break as a player and I do as a manager.

“It seems to work in other countries. Germany have a break and they say that it has a bearing in why they consistently do well in major tournaments.”

Meanwhile, Cork-born defender Shane O’Connor is determined to overcome his latest setback and get back into the Ipswich side.

The talented 20-year-old had ended a three-month absence from the starting line-up at Portman Road in the 3-0 win over Leicester on December 18, creating the third goal for Jason Scotland along the way.

But five days later he sustained a dislocated and ruptured shoulder joint during training and now faces six weeks on the sidelines.

“You just have to keep going,” O’Connor said.

“I’ve had setbacks before. I think I am used to them. Now I think I’ve got over a hurdle before, proved someone wrong before and I’ll do it again.

“The knocks have toughened me up. I think the setbacks I’ve had have made me a better player. To get back in the team recently just makes me hungrier to do it again when I’m fit.”