Injuries Ahead of Derby - Ipswich Town News
Town have two injury worries ahead of Tuesday's game with Derby County. Jim Magilton and John McGreal are both rated as doubtful after being substituted during the second half of Saturday's game at Sunderland.
Magilton was on the end of a wild challenge from Stefan Schwarz and is still suffering with a knock to the leg. John McGreal felt some tightness in his hamstring and was replaced by Jamie Clapham.
If Magilton misses out it is likely that Jermaine Wright will move into the centre of midfield allowing Finidi George to drop to the right. Either Pablo Couñago or Richard Naylor could go up front, Pablo being perhaps the favourite after his promising debut on Saturday.
John McGreal's injury might cause a change-around at the back with Mark Venus also out at the moment with a rib injury. Hermann Hreidarsson may be forced to move to the centre with Jamie Clapham coming in at left-back.
George Burley and Titus Bramble both have both denied that the penalty which won Sunderland the game should have been awarded.
Bramble said: "No chance. It was never a penalty. I was trying to play the ball and he just went over. But I shouldn't have got into the situation in the first place. I should have played the ball a lot earlier but I lost it and was looking to clear the ball."
Burley said: "I didn't think it was a penalty. I watched it on the telly and spoke to the referee who said he pulled him back but it is obvious after watching it on the television that he never. It was a very important decision and it has cost us. Titus has lost control of the ball and as he has turned to get it the player has run into him. It was a soft penalty."
What to read next:
Sheeran to Extend Town SponsorshipEd Sheeran has revealed he has agreed to extend his sponsorship of the Blues into a fourth season but won’t be at Portman Road tomorrow.
Morsy: To Get a Club to the Premier League Would Be AmazingSam Morsy is no stranger to success as a footballer after winning promotion with Chesterfield, Wigan and Town, plus playing for Egypt in the World Cup, but would taking Ipswich into the Premier League perhaps be his number one achievement in the game?
Morsy: Exeter Experience Will Help UsTown skipper Sam Morsy knows only too well the prize for avoiding defeat at Portman Road tomorrow and believes he and his teammates will benefit from their experience of the near-identical situation that occurred a year ago.
McKenna: Squad Focused and RelaxedTown boss Kieran McKenna says his squad remain focused, despite a palpable buzz around the town as well as further afield back in Northern Ireland.
McKenna: It Would Be a Very Proud AchievementBlues boss Kieran McKenna says it would be a proud achievement to take Town back into the Premier League after 22 seasons away but says he hasn’t yet thought too much about the prospect of becoming a top-flight manager.
McKenna: In Many Ways It's Been a Normal WeekTown boss Kieran McKenna has tried to treat this week in as normal a manner as possible, despite the noise surround the club with the Blues just a point away from a return to the Premier League and their second promotion in two seasons.
McKenna: We're Going to Assess One or Two in the MorningTown boss Kieran McKenna says there are a few knocks and niggles in his squad ahead of Saturday’s crucial final day of the season game at home to Huddersfield with one or two set to be assessed in the morning ahead of the match.