Boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that Owen Garvan will make his first start of the season at Derby County on Wednesday, while Billy Clarke and Fabian Wilnis are both injury concerns. Garvan will replace Sylvain Legwinski, who is suspended after reaching five bookings.

Magilton says he is pleased to name Garvan in his side for the first time after the Irish youngster missed the first three months of the season due to his post-viral syndrome: "He will play at Derby and I'm delighted for him that he's back involved.

"He has been through a difficult time but has come through it and this is the next step in his recovery.

"He has received loads of support from the club and is a terrific player who is still learning the game.

"We're not expecting great things from him just yet, because he's not had many games, but he'll relish the opportunity and he thrives on the responsibility."

Magilton will also have to make a forced change at right-back with Matthew Bates returning to Middlesbrough after tearing knee ligaments at Barsnley on Saturday.

Fabian Wilnis is the most likely replacement for Bates, but is suffering with a tight hamstring and is not certain to be fit enough to play. Sito will also be named in the squad in case the Dutchman fails to make it. Alternatively, Magilton may prefer to switch Alex Bruce to the right and recall Richard Naylor alongside Jason De Vos.

Dan Harding will play his final game before serving a one-match suspension when the Blues take on Burnley at Portman Road on Saturday, having picked up his fifth booking at Oakwell. Scott Barron could be added to the senior squad ready for his possible involvement against the Clarets.

Lewis Price is likely to continue in goal with Shane Supple's kicking still hampered by a groin injury, while Jaroslav Drobný has a hamstring problem, but travelled to Burnley at the weekend as cover for Supple.

Garvan will line up alongside Simon Walton in the centre of the midfield with Gary Roberts continuing on the right and Matt Richards on the left. Gavin Williams will probably be on the bench and is likely to play a role late on, perhaps replacing Garvan who is likely to be tiring by that stage.

Top scorer Alan Lee will again be looking to end his barren run of five Town games without a goal. Billy Clarke faces a late fitness test on his ankle injury, but the Blues will not risk him if there is any doubt over the knock he picked up in the Norwich game.

If, as seems likely, Clarke is not yet ready to return, Magilton will have to choose between Jon Macken and Danny Haynes. The Town manager has said he has dealt with Macken's angry reaction to his substitution at Barnsley, but could give Haynes a start in any case, the youngster having looked a far greater goal threat than the loanee from Crystal Palace, despite his inexperience.

Magilton wants his side to bounce back from the disappointment of conceding another last minute goal against Barnsley: “I will be looking for a reaction from the players. I expect them to be hurt after they lost a game on Saturday that we shouldn't have lost.

“We have learned harsh lessons from Barnsley and Burnley when the same thing happened and we conceded the only goal right at the death.

“We need to eradicate these games from our memory and we can do that by doing well at Derby.

“But they are a very strong side, scoring goals and well balanced. But we seem to like being underdogs and it would be great if the lads could rise to the occasion.”

Derby, who have climbed to fourth in the table after five consecutive wins, have few injury problems. Summer Town target Bob Malcolm is out with an ankle problem and striker Paul Peschisolido has a thigh injury.

Rams boss Billy Davies is delighted with his side's progress since he took over at Pride Park in the summer: "Everybody at the club deserves a huge pat on the back.

"Make no mistake, what this team is achieving at the moment is remarkable given the circumstances and the fact we are only six months into what we are trying to build.

"Yes, we all have to be surprised and all credit to the players. The reaction from the squad and the way the players are going about it is excellent.

"The spirit is first class but we won't get carried away - that won't be allowed to happen. We are far from the finished article."

Wednesday's referee is Ray Lee from Brentwood, who will be taking control of only his third game at Championship level. Lee, in his first year on the National List of officials, has shown 50 yellow and two red cards in 12 games this season and has not previously taken control of the Blues.

Probable squad: Price, Supple, Wilnis, Sito, Harding, Barron, De Vos, Bruce, Naylor, Garvan, Walton, Richards, Roberts, Williams, Peters, Lee, Clarke, Haynes, Macken.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls