Keane won't fall for Adkins' mind games

IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane has accused Nigel Adkins of indulging in mind games ahead of Scunthorpe United's trip to Portman Road this afternoon.

As reported in yesterday's Scunthorpe Telegraph, the Iron manager suggested the Tractor Boys still have a chance of making the play-offs this season, despite sitting in 18th place, four points above the relegation zone.

"Nonsense, rubbish, a ploy that might have worked before games with other clubs but not work with me," Keane responded.

"If he thinks it is, he's kidding himself.

"He's not playing Real Madrid, he's facing a team near the bottom like his.

"I'm not going to fall for that. He does it every week."

Town have gone unbeaten on their own turf for 12 games, since September last year.

The latest was a 2-0 success over promotion-chasing Cardiff in midweek.

However, Keane knows Scunthorpe will be a different prospect and expects the Iron to pose a tougher test than the Bluebirds.

"It will be a tougher match than against Cardiff on Tuesday," the Irishman said of today's clash.

"They (Cardiff) were in the relaxed mode that top six clubs can afford to be.

"Scunthorpe will be a different matter and fighting for their lives.

"We have a good record against the top teams at Portman Road, but not so good against the lower ones.

"We must put that right.

"It's an amazing fact that we haven't won back to back league wins this season."