Midfielder Owen Garvan will miss Saturday's season opener with Crystal Palace after a blood test showed he is not yet over his recent bout of shingles. Better news is that Gavin Williams is likely to be fit after suffering tendinitis and groin problems during pre-season.

Town's newly appointed head of sports science Dave Williams told the club site: "Owen is still suffering with the effects of the shingles he had and it's very unlikely that he will train this week.

"He has been told to rest by the doctor and there is no way he will be involved against Palace on Saturday."

Williams misses training today but is expected to return to action later in the week and be in the squad taking on Palace. The midfielder is short of games and is likely to play in the reserves friendly at Bury Town on Wednesday (KO 7.45pm).

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls