Roy Keane says he appreciates the support he and the players are getting from the Town fans during what he admits is a crisis situation on the pitch.

Blues were denied a deserved win against Watford last night by Nathan Ellington's equaliser in added on time.

It's the fourth time in six games that Blues have dropped points in the final minutes with draws against Doncaster, Sheffield United and Watford and a last gasp defeat at Barnsley, meaning seven points have escaped Town's grasp.

The Blues' fans gave the players a warm ovation as they came off the pitch last night and that didn't escape the notice of the boss despite his bitter disappointment at seeing that elusive first win slip away.

"I think the reception the players got says something about the performance but it's also a reflection on the supporters at this Club," Roy told the Club website.

"I've said many times that it's easy to support your team when you are winning every week but when you are on a run that we are on - and we're not proud of it - for the fans to applaud the players off it gives us some hope.

"Maybe people outside the Club say it's a crisis and results wise it is but the spirit and desire is there and the support from the fans is there for everyone to see and that is much appreciated.

"We're bitterly disappointed not to have got the win and bitterly disappointed to be where we are.

"I've told the players that we have got to keep going, keep believing in what we're doing but there is no doubt we face a massive test. It's a test that we have stand up to."