Defender Jason De Vos returns to action this evening as the reserves take on Arsenal at Portman Road (KO 7pm). The Canadian has been sidelined since the opening day of the season after cracking ribs.

De Vos says the game will be a good examination of his fitness level: "I have been back in training since Wednesday but not really had too much physical contact.

"So it will be a test and I'll see how it feels. The frustrating thing is that the doctors can't really say 'yeah, you're fine', they can look at the x-rays and say it's OK, but I'm not going to know really until I take a knock. The longer I go without a knock the better though.

"Fitness-wise, I feel I OK and hopefully I can get through tonight without too much trouble, take it easy through the week and be OK for the weekend and Sheffield United."

Also in Steve McCall's squad is new loan signing Jay McEveley. The Blues are keen that the Blackburn defender gets a few games under his belt after he missed much of pre-season due to illness.

Jaime Peters is included having returned from international duty with Canada. The 18-year-old failed to win his 12th full cap as Frank Yallop's side lost 2-1 to Spain.

Deans Bowditch and McDonald look set to continue their strike partnership, while Kevin Horlock and Jimmy Juan will be looking to impress the watching Town management ahead of Saturday's trip to top of the table Sheffield United.

Arsenal are expected field Sol Campbell as he continues his recovery from an achilles injury.

Reserves: Shane Supple, Sammy Moore, James McEveley, Jason De Vos, Aidan Collins, Jimmy Juan, Jaime Peters, Kevin Horlock, Dean Bowditch, Dean McDonald, Scott Barron, Liam Craig, Chris Casement, Danny Haynes, Liam Trotter, Darryl Knights, Cathal Lordan.

Photo: Action Images

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