Keane calls for winter break

Referee Grant Hegley carried out the inspection at 1.15pm on Boxing Day and called the game off as he was unhappy with the state of the Portman Road pitch.

Keane said: "I backed the idea of a winter break as a player and I do as a manager. The benefits are there in terms of rest and recovery for players and avoiding injury.

"It is not just the physical break but they would get a boost mentally as well.

"They will get a chance to recharge their batteries and, having had a break, supporters would see a better quality of football when they return.

"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."

Source: PA

Source: PA