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Back to 5-3-2 - Ipswich Town News

Town seem set to return to their 5-3-2 formation on Saturday with Wayne Brown coming back into the back three.

Who drops out from a list of Michael Clegg, Fabian Wilnis and Jamie Clapham is yet to be seen. Most likely to be dropped is Fabian Wilnis, ironically after one of his best performances of the season, interestingly in a game where he had a role which was more defensive than attacking.

Michael Clegg had a reasonable game after a poor start whilst Jamie Clapham was probably the pick of the three at left midfield. He seems likely to play left wing-back with Clegg on the right.

All three players off with international squads are back and are reporting no problems. Marcus Stewart is back after his virus and will definitely start with Richard Naylor dropping to the bench.

Mark Venus is still out with an ankle injury, although it is improving and an operation now looks unlikely. Manu Thetis has recovered from his hamstring trouble and will travel with the squad.

Gary Croft has had his stitches out and is improving quicker than expected and will start full training next week. Titus Bramble is also recovering from his knee injury, but won't be back in full training for a little while yet.

Sunday's game at St Andrew's (kick-off 12.00pm remember) is no longer all-ticket for Town fans.

Chris Keeble has been told that Town will be letting him go at the end of this season. The 21-year-old midfielder made one appearance for the first team, as sub late in the foggy away win at Port Vale two years ago.

He has been told of his availability early so he can have as much time as possible to find himself a new club. Keeble, the son of former Newcastle United striker Vic Keeble, played a trial match with Colchester this week and impressed Steve Whitton. He is to play further reserve matches with the Town Old Boys XI.

George Burley has said he would be happy for Neil Midgley and Sean Friars to have loan spells in the lower divisions. Midgley has already enjoyed a successful spell at Luton this season whilst Friars has said he wants to play first team football and show George Burley what he can do.

Both have made first team debuts this season, Midgley coming on as sub against West Brom and scoring and Friars being sent on as a late sub in the home win over Crewe.

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