Town manager Joe Royle will hope that the fine form his side have shown in the last two away games will be in evidence at Portman Road on Saturday as his side take on Gary McAllister's Coventry City.

Royle says he has yet to see his new ground at its finest during his early games as Blues' boss: "I have not seen Portman Road at its best yet but I know that we have to deserve that.

"Hopefully we can put a run together and supporters will respond. But at the moment we are near the bottom end of the table and as much as I was pleased that people were impressed with us last week, and the things Ray Lewington said about us, that was one game and we are aware we have to start a long run.

"It is not impossible but there is still a lot to do."

Royle has no new injury worries ahead of the game with Hermann Hreidarsson, Matt Holland and Darren Ambrose all returning from international involvement without picking up problems.

Tommy Miller is back in contention after his knee injury while Richard Naylor is in the running for a place in the squad after his operation. The striker played 83 minutes of the reserve match against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and felt no ill effects. Colchester United, who made a loan approach for Naylor back in September, are again said to be showing an interest.

Royle rested Darren Ambrose for the matches at Sheffield United and Watford but he could return in the three-man central midfield. Pablo Couñago was on the bench last week after returning from suspension and he too may be in for a recall.

Alun Armstrong played alongside Darren Bent at Vicarage Road last week and picked up a slight injury which isn't likely to sideline him this weekend.

Royle seems settled on a three-man defence with Thomas Gaardsøe celebrating his 23rd birthday and playing his 20th Town game in the middle of Chris Makin and John McGreal, making their 50th and 100th league appearances for the Blues.

For Coventry, player-manager McAllister has declared himself fit, while new loanee from Leeds Jamie McMaster is set to start up front.

Craig Hignett is suspended and Lee Mills is injured so Gary McSheffrey will probably play alongside McMaster. Jay Bothroyd is likely to be on the bench.

McAllister is aware of Town's improved form of late and points to the importance of the first goal of the game: "Ipswich did pretty well at Watford and it was apparent how players suddenly look good when they score the first goal.

"Watching the game and speaking to Eric Black and George Mackie who went to the game, there was nothing between the sides like there is in any normal game in this division.

"Whoever scores first usually starts to look pretty decent and we are desperate to score the first goal."

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