Roy Keane has praised the professionalism of Jon Stead ahead of the striker's return to Portman Road.

The 27-year-old left Blues for Ashton Gate on Monday and looks likely to make his debut for the Robins when they take on Town at the weekend.

"In an ideal world I would have liked to have kept Jon here but he had a good offer from Bristol City. One we couldn't match," says Roy speaking in his column in Saturday's matchday programme.

"He spoke to two or three clubs but even though he had a deal around the corner, he showed a good side to him in his performances for us in that time.

"We were down to the bare bones and needed him. It's a short career, football, and some players in his situation would have said they are not mentally right to play or they have a virus. Steady didn't. He showed what being a good professional is all about and I'm sure he will get a good reaction from our supporters."