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Naylor Could Return for Leeds - Ipswich Town News

Former Blue Richard Naylor could return to the Leeds side facing Town at Portman Road tomorrow as manager Simon Grayson looks for his team to bounce back from the midweek 6-4 home defeat to Preston. The Whites were 4-1 up prior to the Lancastrians’ remarkable comeback.

Grayson says club captain Naylor, who has been kept out of the side by another former Blue Alex Bruce, is very much in his thoughts: "Richard is an experienced ex-Ipswich player but whether he plays tomorrow we will have to wait and see.

"I have told the players that I’ve still not decided what my team is going to be. I’ve changed it about 12 times since Tuesday night and will probably change it again before the kick-off.”

If Naylor does play, it will be the first time he has faced the club where he spent 15 years since his move to his hometown side in January 2009.

Town boss Roy Keane says Naylor and Bruce deserve appreciation from their former supporters: "I didn't work with the boy Naylor but the staff here have only got good things to say about him.

"He is a rare breed in football now, having spent 15 years at one club and then having moved to Leeds, he has played a big part in their success over the last couple of years as well.

"I'm sure he will get a great reception from our fans and deservedly so, and it will be the same with Alex. He did a good job for us here but he got frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities and decided to move on.

"It will be nice to see him back here and I'm sure the supporters will show their appreciation for two players who gave everything for Ipswich Town."

Leeds could also recall winger Robert Snodgrass after suspension, while former Cardiff striker Ross McCormack, who held talks regarding a move to Portman Road in the summer, is a doubt. Paul Connolly, Patrick Kisnorbo, Fede Bessone, Leigh Bromby, Aidan White, Kasper Schmeichel, Ben Parker and Billy Paynter are all sidelined with injury.

Town will be without suspended midfielders David Norris and Luke Hyam, while Shane O’Connor and Luciano Civelli are unlikely to be involved in the squad as they recover from hamstring and knee injuries respectively. Central defender Tommy Smith has an ongoing back problem but will probably be on the bench.

Alan Quinn remains the Blues’ only long-term absentee with the groin injury he sustained at Leiston in pre-season.

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