Town boss Paul Jewell says he expects midfielder Grant Leadbitter to be fit for Saturday’s home game against Peterborough United. The 26-year-old limped off towards the end of last week’s 2-2 draw at Hull City having netted both the Blues’ goals.

Jewell told the club site: "Grant strained his groin late on and we had to take him off. He's been having treatment all week and the signs are encouraging. We think he will be OK for Saturday."

Fellow midfielder Jimmy Bullard will be available for selection again with his club suspension for his Newcastle night out and subsequent lateness up on Friday, however, after two weeks out of training, the 33-year-old probably won’t be included in the 16.

Photo: Action Images

BotesdaleBlue added 12:20 - Mar 14 There is no way Bullard should be in the 16 ahead of the likes of Carson and Hyam and I don't expect him to be. As for Leadbitter, it pains me to say it, but he should be kept in on the basis of recent his performances. I was not happy that he was brought back in the starting line up but credit where it is due, he has done well on his return.
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PSGBlue added 13:05 - Mar 14 Don't ever want to see Bullard at PR ever again! Talented but an utter fool, we don't need the likes of him in the dressing room. Ok, start with leadbitter, but home to Posh/Burnley would like us to return to the 4-4-1-1 with Martin playing just behind Chopra.
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poggie added 13:11 - Mar 14 Isn't football weird?? ... a few weeks ago, i'd have been saying something sarcastic about Leadbitter being injured ... but now i find myself genuinely hoping he's fit ... it's a funny old game!!!
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DiamondGezzer added 13:12 - Mar 14 Surely, Grant Leadbetter has done enough to warrant a start at Peterborough ?
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CavendishBlue added 13:13 - Mar 14 Granted!!!!
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Michael11 added 13:27 - Mar 14 Am i the only one who'd rather have a fully fit Luke Hyam in midfield than a half fit Leadboots just because he scored a penalty and a bit of a fluke on saturday?
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Garv added 13:28 - Mar 14 Obviously Leadbitter doesn't deserve to be dropped, but I would just like to see Hyam back in. Not expecting it though and won't complain. This season I think Leadbitter has received some very harsh criticism, when in fact he is often good at breaking up play and keeping things ticking along slowly, albeit without having an obvious impact (probably why he gets so much stick). But I just think Hyam does that holding role job better. That's why its a bit of a double edged sword for me that Leadbitter is playing well!

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TractorBeezer added 13:29 - Mar 14 Good news about Grant. Lets hope that he is now motivated and inspired. Having most supporters behind him will help too. Does anyone know what Jimmy has been doing (if anything) to keep fit?
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Surco72 added 13:46 - Mar 14 If he wont sign his new contract dont put him in the shop window for others and give Hyam more experience for next year .We are safe and should be building for next season now ,not waiting to see if Grant has better offers in the summer and leaves or then wants to sign
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Karlosfandangal added 14:32 - Mar 14 Agree with Surco72 Would like to see Hyam play the last 11 games of the season to gain more experiance in that role, or even Stevenson Think Leadbetter has never reach his potental but is not as bad as people make out on here, However the signing of Stevenson could mean the end of Leadbitter.
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La_Paz added 15:17 - Mar 14 Unless he's going to be here next year I can't see much point in playing him when giving Hyam or Stevenson games would be much more beneficial in regards to next season. Like Norris last year he's had a sudden upturn in form as his contract draws to a close and it's all looking horribly familiar. Start looking to the future and let's move on.
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yorksblue added 16:44 - Mar 14 I don't care who plays, just as long as we pummel Posh out of sight. Fergie Jnr winds me up even more than his old man.
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LFCITFC added 16:46 - Mar 14 Leadbitter should start after the game against Hull, I never thought i would say that!! Hyam on bench in replace of Bullard, Scotland to bench and Martin starting behind Chops.
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GiveusanI added 17:18 - Mar 14 I think it's been very harsh on Hyam to loose his place in the side. He and Drury made the difference we needed in midfield. I don't see the same urgency and link up play in centre midfield since Leadbitter returned.
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fourth added 17:47 - Mar 14 Drury and Hyam and then Smith working in a more settled line-up are what got us moving again after a very poor run. Yes, Grant does break up opponents' mid-field play, but he rarely hits the target. I'm not sure how often he has given the final goalscoring pass. I'd like to know.
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Lightningboy added 17:52 - Mar 14 Funny how he's playing better now that he's in the shop window for the summer?! On another topic..I don't want us playing McCarthy in goal for the rest of the season - what possible benefit is that to us?..he won't be here next season ,so we should be using the remainder of our season to give the likes of ALB and Cody Cropper more experience - why should we be helping Reading?..that needs sorting PJ.

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walberswick added 18:14 - Mar 14 Leadbitter quite likely to be dropped after a good performance. That's the tinkerman for you.
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jas0999 added 18:17 - Mar 14 Bullard was as predicted a complete an utter waste of money. Leadbitter has done well recently, BUT if he looks set to leave (which reading PJ's comments seems likely), and with Bowyers one year deal up (let's hope we don't give him the second!), surely playing Hyam and Carson would be better options - especially as they are the future of the club? Ditto watse of time playing a loan keeper. PJ's traetment of Hyam has been nothing short of abysmal. Then again, we are a team sitting 16th in the league - hardly good. So, we perhaps should not be surprised by PJ's poor decision making!

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Garv added 19:53 - Mar 14 Jas if Luke has the same childish, whining attitude as you he will never make it in football!
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meekreech added 21:45 - Mar 14 Jas This is the last time I will respond to your costant drivel ! If you were the manager of ITFC we would be lucky to be playing in a kids league !! Grow up and put your brain ( if you possess one ) into gear before posting such rubbish !
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budgieplucker added 23:20 - Mar 14 I think we all know what Grant is capable of but his consistency over the last couple of years has not been good. For an experienced player probably on premiership wages he needs to demonstrate value for money. I think Grant is an honest player, Hyam, Drury and Martin kick started our climb away from danger and injected enormous energy into the engine room so I do think it is very tough that Luke a young player has one off game and is relegated out of sight. Hardly a way to motivate when your senior players have been the ones who have been letting the side down most of the season.

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itfc1981 added 07:35 - Mar 15 one good game and the Leadbitter love in starts, Hyam is far superior and should play.
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saffronblue added 09:32 - Mar 15 He should either sign a contract and commit his future to the club or PJ should drop him completely and play the youth, don't know what Hyam has done wrong to be left out but i would rather we played him, Stephenson or Carson than someone trying to go elsewhere. It's not as if we are in any danger of going up or down. Lightningboy, good call on the keepers would love to see Cody given a go.

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Lightningboy added 09:46 - Mar 15 ^..yep saffronblue..doesn't make any sense to be helping Reading's GK for next season..we need to start looking after our own.
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BudapestByBlimp added 09:54 - Mar 15 "jas0999 added 18:17 - Mar 14 2012 Bullard was as predicted a complete an utter waste of money." "jas0999 added 11:37 - Aug 25 2011 - Bullard Signs Two-Year Deal Although less than impressed with Murphy and Sonko - this is a great deal. I really hope Jimmy remains fit." Some people may have predicted Bullard would be a waste of money but you, for certain, were not one of them!

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