Boss Jim Magilton wants to see improved defending from his side when the Blues take on West Ham at Portman Road on Monday evening (KO 7.45pm). The Town manager has been pleased with his team's attacking abilities but less happy with their performances at the other end of the field.

Magilton said: "I have no problem with us when we have the ball and when we are going forward. What I want to see is an improvement when we do not have the ball.

"West Ham will give us a good test. With players of the calibre of Craig Bellamy coming at us, we will have to be on our mettle when defending - and defending goes right through the team.”

The Blues boss says he will field a team close to the one which faces Preston in the season opener next Saturday: "There might be a little bit of tinkering from the side selected to face West Ham.

"But it will not be much and the West Ham game will give us a last chance to try a few things before the big kick-off.”

The Blues will have Pablo Couñago back after he missed the Brighton game with a foot problem, but David Norris is still out with his latest heel injury.

West Ham will be without former Blue Kieron Dyer, who is not yet ready to return to match action after suffering a double fracture of his leg last season. Carlton Cole is also expected to miss out.

Dean Ashton, George McCartney, Matthew Etherington, Luis Boa Morte and Lee Bowyer are all expected to be in the Hammers' travelling party.

Meanwhile, it's been a quiet Sunday on the Town rumour front, aside from news that Wolves have offered Ian Harte a contract, which may suggest they are no longer interested in Blues target Ben Thatcher.

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