Mark Venus is likely to return to the Town side for the Worthington Cup match with Birmingham on Tuesday night. The Town defender missed out on Saturday, but he looks likely to be fit enough to take his regular place in the defence.

John McGreal looks less likely to return, although Town are hopeful. There is no word yet on the fitness of David Johnson who missed out with a groin problem or James Scowcroft who was replaced at half-time on Saturday.

With Alun Armstrong cup-tied Richard Logan could once again be in line for a place in the squad should one of Johnson or Scowcroft miss out. At Morecambe the 19-year-old made his first appearance since the 3-1 loss at Huddersfield last November.

David Sheepshanks appealed to the FA on Friday over their ban on Internet commentaries of FA Cup games. Unlike Premier League games the FA own the copyright on FA Cup ties and have the power to decide whether clubs can provide fans with online commentary or not. It looks likely that Town and others will seek to get the FA to relent for future rounds.

David Sheepshanks is to appear in a film for Suffolk County Council. The film, sadly not entitled Escape to Victory 2, will be filmed later this month at Portman Road. The film is being made for use in a bid for the Local Government Chronicle's Council of the Year Award.

The club have announced that there are still a number of Birmingham first leg tickets available. These are now on general sale.

For the second leg Town have been given 2,500 tickets. These go on sale initially to Portman Plus Gold holders on Tuesday 9th January, then to Portman Plus Members, Blues Crew Members (with qualifying adult) and then to season ticket holders on Thursday 11th January. After this tickets will go on general sale from Monday 15th January. Tickets are priced at £17 adults and £9 for concessions and juniors.

There are also now a small number of concession tickets available for Chelsea. Town have been given about 3,000 seats for the Stamford Bridge game on January 20th. Tickets are on sale from Monday 8th January to Portman Plus Gold card holders before being available to Portman Plus members, Blues Crew members (with qualifying adult) and season ticket holders on Wednesday 10th January. From Monday 15th January any tickets left will go on general sale. Adult tickets are £27 and the very limited junior tickets available at £11.

Successful applicants from the ballot for Leicester should receive tickets by Wednesday. Next Monday sees the ballots for Bradford and Everton with tickets sent out by the end of that week.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls