Perfect start for Roy's new boy

August 29 2010 04:45 AM

Ipswich manager Roy Keane hailed the impact of new signing Jason Scotland after the striker marked his first start for the club with a goal in the 2-0 win over Bristol City.

Scotland arrived at Portman Road from Wigan on a one-year deal this week and the former Swansea man was on target along with fellow striker Tamas Priskin as the Tractor Boys maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

Keane was encouraged by Scotland's performance and believes there is more to come from the 31-year-old frontman.

"On another day, he could have had a hat-trick," said Keane. "What I liked about his goal was that he was on the move. He was sniffing and we didn't have anyone like that last season. Hopefully, he'll give us that and the best thing that can happen to a striker when he joins a new club is to score a goal."

Ipswich hit the woodwork three times in a goalless first half but when David James made a mess of collecting a high ball, Priskin put the hosts ahead. Priskin let fly from 20 yards and although James made a sharp save, Scotland reacted first to fire in the loose ball.

Keane admitted his side were not at their best and warned he must strengthen his squad if they are to compete at the top of the table. "It wasn't comfortable. It's never comfortable, not at 1-0 or even 2-0. One goal changes the course of the game and you can't relax in the Championship," he said.

"But we took our chances without being particularly great. That's what we needed to learn to do -- win games without being brilliant. The first half was a bit flat but at half-time we were still quite relaxed. We changed things round, as any good team should be able to do, and it worked.

"Credit to the players for that. I'm very, very pleased with them and they're ready for a break. It's been a good start to the season but if we pick up any more injuries or suspensions we'll be tested."

Robins boss Keith Millen was alarmed by his side's defending and warned they must tighten up at the back.

"I was quite pleased with how we played in the first half," he said. "I hoped that we might have given ourselves a platform to go on and win the game. But unfortunately, we've given two goals away that you wouldn't be happy about if it was schoolboys conceding.