x

McAuley One of a Number of Doubts - Ipswich Town News

Skipper Gareth McAuley is one of a number of doubts ahead of Saturday's home game against Doncaster Rovers. The central defender picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland and missed last week's game at Sheffield United.

The former Leicester and Lincoln man is more likely to be involved on Monday when then Blues travel to Bristol City.

Moritz Volz is also a doubt after aggravating his groin after coming on as a sub at Bramall Lane. The loanee from Fulham has done some training and like McAuley is considered to have more of a chance of making it for Monday's game.

Jon Stead is a concern after straining his back in training on Monday and hasn't trained during the remainder of the week. He also has more chance of making it for Monday than Saturday.

Better news is that David Wright is back in training after his hamstring problem and looks set to return to the side at right-back, while Giovani Dos Santos, who Town could look to sign on loan for the whole of next season if Spurs make him available, has trained throughout the week and also looks likely to be back in action.

Jon Walters has returned to training and looks set to come back into the side after recovering quickly from his ruptured ankle injury.

Earlier in the week, Town boss Jim Magilton confirmed that striker Connor Wickham would be involved with the first team this weekend. The England U16 international will start on the bench against Doncaster and if he comes on at 16 years and 11 days will be the club's youngest ever player, beating Jason Dozzell's record.

Tommy Smith is continuing to make good progress after breaking his ankle in August and Town are looking for him to play a game before the end of the season.

Jordan Rhodes (foot) and Luciano Civelli (knee ligament damage) are both out for the season.

What to read next:

Ndaba Completes Lecce Move
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba has completed his move from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock to Serie A Lecce.
McKenna: Hirst Primed For Good Season
Town boss Kieran McKenna believes striker George Hirst is “primed to have a good season” for the Blues, the frontman having netted three times in the Blues’ two public friendlies.
Hirst: Scotland Call-Up Has Made Me a Better Player
Town striker George Hirst says he has taken a lot from being in the Scotland squad and feels the international recognition has made him a better player.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney £35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney £35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.
McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.