LONDON, April 23 (Xinhua) -- New Ipswich manager Roy Keane has targeted promotion to the Premier League "at the earliest opportunity" after taking over at Portman Road, the Press Association said on Thursday.

    The former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the English Championship side, who sacked former boss Jim Magilton on Wednesday.

    The 37-year-old has been out of work since departing as Sunderland manager last December.

    Keane told the club's official website: "I truly believe that I am joining a club that has the potential, ambition and infrastructure to once again be a Premier League side.

    "The club's owner (Marcus Evans) and chief executive (Simon Clegg) impressed upon me their total focus on achieving this quest at the earliest opportunity and I can't wait to get started."

    Magilton fell as a victim to the Portman Road regime's top-flight aspirations on Wednesday when he was sacked as Ipswich manager after failing to lead them into the Championship play-offs.