Midfielder Vemund Brekke Skard is included in the Town senior squad for the first time ahead of Tuesday's trip to Crewe Alexandra. Skard joined the Blues from Norwegian side Brumunddal at the beginning of the year.

The 24-year-old comes into the travelling party as a replacement for Owen Garvan, who misses out after reaching five bookings.

Boss Joe Royle says the former trainee teacher will be amongst the substitutes at Gresty Road: "Vemund will start on the bench but deserves his chance and has worked hard to recover from his hernia operation.

"He's rock hard, as strong as an ox, the players run into him in training and bounce.

"He can play as well though, we wouldn't just bring somebody into this club of all places if he couldn't handle the ball.

"He's training every day with the first team and he's very comfortable in that environment.

"He's a get-around, workaholic who can pass the ball, although he's more Robbie Savage than Glenn Hoddle."

Skipper Jim Magilton looks likely to replace Garvan in the starting line-up.

Squad: Barron, Currie, De Vos, Juan, Lee, Magilton, McDonald, Naylor, Peters, Price, Richards, Sito, Skard, Supple, Westlake,
Wilnis.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls