Town boss Joe Royle says he may have to look to a loan defender due to the current situation with injuries. John McGreal and Mark Venus are both out and any more knocks amongst Town's central defenders would leave the manager's options even shorter.

With five games before January 4th Royle feels that cover may be necessary: "We are a bit thin in the defensive area so we will consider bringing in a defender to help us out."

A loanee is unlikely to appear before this Saturday's match against Portsmouth at Fratton Park where Royle's side will again be without Venus, still suffering with a knee injury.

John McGreal is out until the new year with knee ligament damage while Chris Makin returns to the squad after his hamstring problem.

Another piece of good news on the defensive front is that youngster Justin Miller will be back in training next week after picking up and ankle injury. The South African has returned from a fine loan spell at Leyton Orient and is looking to impress Joe Royle.

Jim Magilton's groin injury could keep him out on Saturday, he is rated at 50/50.

Alun Armstrong, Finidi George and Martijn Reuser will not travel, the three players are staying behind to work on their fitness. Armstrong has never really gained full fitness after earlier injuries while Reuser is still on the way back after knee surgery.

Finidi has recently been suffering with an ankle injury but is looking to get himself involved over Christmas despite being offered a free transfer by Town: "I have not heard anything from my agent about any clubs being interested in me.

"I will keep working hard to stay here and to get in the team but if I had to go then Spain would be my preferred choice.

"It does hurt when you are told you can go on a free transfer because that means you are not in the manager's plans for the team and that is disappointing.

"Things did not work out for me and the team last season and I hoped to get more of a chance this season."

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