Contrary to reports yesterday Marcus Stewart is still a doubt for tomorrow's crunch top of the table clash with Manchester United. Stewart injured his thigh in last week's 3-1 win over Southampton and is still feeling the injury.

Town boss George Burley said: "We'll give Marcus every possible opportunity. Hopefully he'll dod a bit of training tomorrow before we leave. A final decision will be made on Saturday morning."

Town are flying to Manchester and will hope to avoid the baggage chaos which saw players arrive home at 3 am after Tuesday's Worthington Cup match.

If Stewart misses out there could be a first start for new signing Alun Armstrong. The former Middlesbrough man hasn't played much first team football this season, but he has impressed in training and scored two goals on his home debut last week. David Johnson will also hope for another start, although he was again not at his best at Maine Road in the week.

Elsewhere Fabian Wilnis and Gary Croft will vie for the right back spot should George Burley play 4-4-2. Town are unlikely to play the 5-3-2 formation they did in the first half on Tuesday as it clearly didn't work. Jermaine Wright will look for a recall in midfield.

Squad: R Wright, Branagan, Salmon, Wilnis, Clapham, Croft, Karic, Venus, Hreidarsson, McGreal, Bramble, Holland, Magilton, J Wright, Reuser, Scowcroft, Stewart, Johnson, Armstrong and Mowbray.

Reports claim Town's game with Bradford at Portman Road on March 3rd has been chosen for Sky coverage and moved to the next day with a 4pm kick off.

George Burley has shot down claims yesterday that he may be lined up for the Manchester United job when Sir Alex Ferguson retires. The Town manager said there was no truth in the story and added: "Maybe it's because I'm a Scotsman!"

Sports Minister Kate Hoey has said she would be happy to see the re-introduction of terraces at football grounds. The Arsenal supporter said: "This is about whether it's possible to have pilot schemes of small, safe standing areas."

She continued: "This would help supporters who want to sit all the time and, at the moment, are fed up with people standing during games."

Others to come out in favour of a return to terracing have included John Barnes who said that he felt the atmosphere at games would be helped.

At the recent ITFC Fans' Forum the issue of North Stand standing was discussed with fans from both perspectives giving their views. The suggestion of standing areas was made, although this would be illegal under present legislation. Should the legal situation change then this could become a possibility.

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