Town manager Joe Royle has two injury worries ahead of the weekend clash at West Brom. Left-back Chris Makin is almost cerainly out while Tommy Miller is also a doubt.

Makin picked up a hip injury in the home game with West Ham and is virtually certain to miss out on the trip to the Hawthorns. Since then it has developed into a groin problem.

Miller has a knee problem and is considered 50/50 for Saturday. He picked up the injury in training and will have a scan to discover the seriousness of the knock.

Makin's replacement at West Brom will be Matt Richards while Miller's possible absence and Alan Mahon's inclusion will give the Blues a new-look midfield.

Jermaine Wright will probably stay on the right where he impressed against West Ham while youngster Ian Westlake may well be moved into his preferred central midfield role alongside Jim Magilton.

Town might have another loanee installed by Saturday with Joe Royle saying on a number of occasions he is after a striker on a short-term deal.

Although he briefly spoke to Peter Crouch's agent he was not a player seriously considered by the Town boss, his goalscoring record not up to Royle's requirements.

The Blues' boss has denied making any approach for Darren Huckerby, who like Crouch has joined Norwich on loan, or Everton midfielder Lee Carsley.

Royle says he had a striker in his sights last week but the player chose to move elsewhere on a permanent basis.

The Town boss has an extensive list of targeted players. If he doesn't bring in a player before the weekend it is likely to be only a matter of time.

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