Ipswich Town assistant manager Stuart Taylor believes there's a lot more to come from Will Keane this season, following the striker's slow start to the campaign.

Keane spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich and scored three goals in twelve games for the Tractor Boys, but he's struggled to make an impact since joining the club on a permanent deal in the summer - as he works his way back to full fitness following a hamstring injury.

The 26-year-old, who was released by Hull City in the summer, has made just six appearances for Ipswich in all competitions this season and has managed just one league start - although he did score against Gillingham in the EFL Trophy last month.

He's struggled to get into the team ahead of his fellow Ipswich strikers Kayden Jackson and James Norwood - who already have scored 14 goals between them this season.

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However, Taylor believes that Ipswich fans are yet to see the best of Keane in a Town shirt and that the striker still has a lot more to offer this season.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, Taylor admitted that the club need to be careful with Keane's fitness, but insisted that the striker has the attributes to make an impact for the Tractor Boys this season, once he gets himself up to speed.

"It's about real competition for places and you're talking about three very good strikers here who can all play as a lone striker, when needed, as well as in a twin pairing. They're all good enough to do it, intelligent enough to do it and know the roles well.

"Will never did pre-season with a club or the lads, although he did do pre-season by himself, but we're delighted with how well he's come through everything.

"We need to be careful not to push him over the line too soon. We need to get as much as we possibly can out of him but we need to be sensible and not push him too far."

The Verdict

Keane is working his way back from a serious hamstring injury, so it's entirely understandable that he's struggled to make an impact for Ipswich this season - it's going to take a bit of time for him to get himself back up to speed.

On top of that, Jackson and Norwood have been banging in the goals for Ipswich so far this season, but so it's understandable that Keane has struggled to start matches ahead of them.

However, he's still a good striker and he's got plenty of experience. There's no doubt that he's got what it takes to score goals at this level and he could have an important role to play in Ipswich's promotion push this season.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.