Town's reserves are in action this evening against Portsmouth at Havant and Waterlooville's West Leigh Park (KO 7pm).

The Blues are likely to name a strong team with Dean Bowditch, Chris Bart-Williams, Alun Armstrong, Georges Santos and Lewis Price all likely to be included.

Town's second string is now stronger than at any stage of the season, the large number of injuries to senior players throughout most of 2003/04 having left Steve McCall with a generally young squad.

Full-back Chris Makin is now Town's only long-term injury, while Pablo Couñago has a short-term groin problem.

Chris Bart-Williams will be looking to complete his second 90 minutes after his recent back injection. The experienced midfielder didn't make the trip to Gillingham, remaining in Suffolk for extra training.

If he continues to progress to plan he could be involved against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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