Caretaker-boss Ian McParland has expressed his shock following Roy Keane's exit as Ipswich Town boss.

The former Notts County man will take charge of the Blues side for Sunday's FA Cup third-round encounter at Barclays Premier League giants Chelsea.

However, he does not see himself staying at the club long-term.

“I see myself moving on and am clear in my mind about that,” he said.

“I never came here to be Ipswich Town manager.

“I've been a manager before and I'll be a manager again, but I came here to be first-team coach to Roy Keane.

“It's been a big shock because he gave me a job when I left Notts County.

“I didn't know what was going on until this morning and it's always a shock when a manager loses his job.

“The coaches are disappointed and so are the players.”

McParland feels Keane could have been a success, had he been given more time by owner and chairman Marcus Evans.

“Roy definitely could have turned things rounds,” he said.

“He's a very good manager and got promoted with Sunderland.

“But there are very small margins and small dividing lines between success and failure.”

McParland spoke to Keane this morning and said: “A lot of people have got the wrong impression about Roy.

“There's a persona about him but you couldn't wish to meet a better person.

“You know where you stand with him. He's honest and speaks the truth.

“I spoke to him this morning.

“He's professional, a proud man and a human being, so of course he's upset.

“But he's a tough cookie and he'll be fine.”