ROY Keane has called for Ipswich Town fans to get behind their team in tonight's Coca-Cola Championship game at Portman Road against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 7.

ROY Keane has called for Ipswich Town fans to get behind their team in tonight's Coca-Cola Championship game at Portman Road against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Blues manager remains in good cheer despite just two points from their opening six league games.

But he realises the importance of three points against one of his former clubs.

'If ever a team needed their fans behind them it is now,' said Keane, who says that concerned supporters should put their trust in him.

'As I have said before we will get it right. If we all stick together - and that includes our supporters - we will be okay.

'We were wonderfully supported at Middlesbrough on Saturday and I can understand the frustration. But it is going to turn.

'If you are looking at being a manager for 20 years you are going to have periods when you will not smell the roses.

'You find out about people when things are not going well, and it is going to be an interesting few weeks at this football club.'

Keane confirmed that he is under no pressure from club owner Marcus Evans and that there is no regular dialogue between the two.

'I don't speak to the owner on a day-to-day basis,' said Keane. 'Nor do I speak to chief executive Simon Clegg every day. There is no reason to do that as we all have our own jobs to do.'

Keane has no injury worries to concern his team selection and with three games inside eight days - and the 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough - he is set to make a few alterations to his side.

'In patches we were okay on Saturday,' added Keane. 'I can't question the efforts of my players, but we are continuing to come up short in two areas.

It is difficult to put your finger on it and we are working hard in training to put it right. Sometimes you have to remind players that they have to look forward to games.'

Pim Balkestein was rested at Middlesbrough and Connor Wickham played in the youth team after suffering from a groin problem last week.

They could both be involved tonight, while Colin Healy and Owen Garvan were not in the party at the Riverside but could both get another opportunity to impress.

Striker Tamas Priskin and winger Lee Martin looked lively when they came on and could be back in the starting line-up with Liam Trotter pushing for return to the midfield.