Tamas Priskin struggled last season

ROY Keane has backed struggling striker Tamas Priskin to become a big hit at Portman Road this season.

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The 23-year-old Hungarian international has scored just one league goal for Ipswich Town since his £1.7million transfer from Watford last autumn.

The size of the fee appears to be hanging heavy around the neck of the front man, who passed up three good chances in Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly victory at Ryman Premier League Bury Town.

With Connor Wickham out for five weeks with an ankle injury, Jon Stead speaking to Blackpool with another also interested and Pablo Counago currently out of favour, Priskin will be called upon to score the goals to give Town the sort of start that Keane needs to make an impact on the Championship in 2010/11.

And Keane is backing his man despite Priskin becoming in danger of following Sam Parkin who failed to win over Blues fans during his brief time at Portman Road after scoring goals for fun at Swindon and being signed in a blaze of publicity by Joe Royle.

“I’m delighted with Tamas,” said Keane.

“He’s come back after his summer’s break with a new lease of life and he’ll be given his chance.

“His general play against Bury Town was good and so was his link-up play.

“Setting up chances is part of a good striker’s game.

“He had more shots than anyone, and I’d rather talk about missing chances than not getting chances. I’m confident the goals will come for Tamas.”

Keane was happy with way his players performed this week against non-league opposition in Leiston and Bury, and he is looking for them to step up against Premier League West Ham at Portman Road tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

“We were found lacking with our final ball,” added Keane. “But that will come.

“We showed a good attitude and we applied ourselves well.

“Last week I was pleased with my squad, but with a number of injuries we are now down to the bare bones and don’t want any more injuries.

“But I am happy with what I have.”

Keane is still seeking to strengthen his squad with a keeper, striker and possibly a midfielder his prime targets.