Midfielder Ian Westlake has emerged as a doubt ahead of Wednesday's Dale Roberts testimonial against Newcastle United (KO 7.45pm). Westlake is suffering from an abscess on a tooth and missed training to see a dentist on Tuesday morning.

Town boss Joe Royle is hopeful the Clacton-based player will make it: "We'll see how he is, but otherwise it's the same squad of 17 from Saturday plus Scott Mitchell, who is available again. We'll see how Westy is in the morning as he's been in a lot of pain overnight."

Young full-back or midfielder Mitchell had been suffering with a groin injury. Skipper Jim Magilton will be OK despite a sore foot.

Royle says he is expects a decent match against Bobby Robson's side: "It's a big game for us, we're looking forward to it. Night-time atmosphere, 15,000 tickets sold, 18,000 fans expected."

The Town manager says he anticipates facing a near first-choice Newcastle team: "I'm sure Bobby will bring a strong side for Dale."

New signing Patrick Kluivert will not be in the Newcastle side and nor will England defender Jonathan Woodgate, however, other than those two, Robson will be bringing a virtually full strength squad to Portman Road.

Robson has already confirmed that Alan Shearer will be in the line-up, while former Ipswich trio Titus Bramble, Darren Ambrose and Kieron Dyer will also be involved.

Town squad: Davis, Price, Wilnis, Mitchell, Richards, Barron, De Vos, Naylor, Diallo, Magilton, Miller, Westlake, Horlock, Murray, Bent, Bowditch, Couñago, Kuqi.

Photo: Action Images

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