Central defender Richard Naylor has undergone surgery on the slipped disc in his neck which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Town's longest-serving player won't be back in action until pre-season.

Physio Matt Byard told the club site: Richard has had the operation in a London hospital and the surgeon says everything has gone according to plan.

"He is staying in hospital for a day or so and will then begin his rehabilitation in time.
"We have been told by the specialist that he is likely to have a three-month recovery period, which means he should be back in pre-season training in July."

Meanwhile, Colchester could be without striker Clive Platt when they take on the Blues at Layer Road on Saturday. The former MK Dons frontman has a back problem.

Elsewhere, former manager Sir Bobby Robson has urged current boss Jim Magilton to be bold in the final few weeks of the season: "Now is the time to show passion and fervour, and to face the future.

"The last six games are not the time to be cautious. Make teams nervous of you, and not the other way round. Don't be afraid.”

Robson has been impressed with Magilton's time at Town up to now: "He is making good progress and I hope his future will be with Ipswich Town.

"Like all managers he needs time to get accustomed and he is doing a first rate job.”

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