Town player coach Tony Mowbray is out of Saturday's game at Fratton Park with a virus. The centre-half was favourite to replace the suspended Manu Thetis at the heart of the Ipswich defence. It now seems likely that Wayne Brown will come into the side to make his third Town start. So far this season he has impressed when called upon either starting, against Brentford, or as sub, v Barnsley. Stuart Niven has also been called into the squad. Niven you may remember made two full appearances three years ago before fading into the background. Since then he has been seen in the reserves largely as a centre half and it seems likely that he is included as cover for that position. Jim Magilton will join him on the bench as he has yet to oust either Matt Holland or Jermaine Wright from the starting line-up.
Jamie Clapham and Mark Venus are back in full training after their thigh and calf injuries reported earlier this week. Neither are a problem for the weekend.
Adam Tanner's knee problem is still giving him trouble despite his appearance in the reserves yesterday.
George Burley has reiterated that he is on the look out for new talent to bring to Portman Road. A left winger is still seen as a priority.