Town boss Joe Royle is pouring cold water on suggestions of an imminent move for Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman, insisting his visit to Coventry to watch the Eagles reserve side in action on Wednesday was merely part of an ongoing scouting process.

Royle's watching brief at the second string game led to a revival of last month's reports linking the 30-year-old Scot with a loan move to Portman Road. However, with Town currently second in the table, the Blues' boss says he's not looking at immediate additions to his squad: "I have said I am keen to bring in one or two players on loan and that still remains the case, but there is no specific target. It will depend on our needs.

"There isn't a lot wrong with the team at the moment - it's like the Americans say 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

"On the other hand we have to be ready just in case something does happen - that's where we're at."

A more pressing concern for Royle is Kelvin Davis's back problem. Royle says the keeper is being rested and he is hopeful he could be involved against Burnley next week: "We're giving him all the time in the world.

"That's the advice we have been given and we'll see how Kelvin is next week. If he's fit to play against Burnley he'll be in, otherwise Lewis Price will continue."

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