Town manager Joe Royle has confirmed that full-back Chris Makin is out for the rest of the season. However, it is not all bad news for the former Sunderland man, his latest operation has finally discovered what has been causing his hip problems.

Makin limped off against West Ham back in August and has not been fit enough to return to the first team since. He had an operation towards the end of 2003 after an abortive comeback in the reserves.

Having had a painkilling injection he recently made another attempt at getting back to action with the second string but again broke down and went for exploratory surgery.

Royle told the club site that this has finally identified the root of the problem: "It's good news in one way for Chris in that the surgeon has found a small tear in a cartilage in the hip joint.

"It went undetected in the previous scans and operation so at least we know the reason behind the problems Chris has been having this season.

"Unfortunately, the downside is that he will miss the rest of the season."

Makin is out of contract at the end of this season but, fitness permitting, he is likely to be offered a new deal in the summer.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls