x

Westy a Doubt - Ipswich Town News

Midfielder Ian Westlake has emerged as a doubt ahead of Wednesday's Dale Roberts testimonial against Newcastle United (KO 7.45pm). Westlake is suffering from an abscess on a tooth and missed training to see a dentist on Tuesday morning.

Town boss Joe Royle is hopeful the Clacton-based player will make it: "We'll see how he is, but otherwise it's the same squad of 17 from Saturday plus Scott Mitchell, who is available again. We'll see how Westy is in the morning as he's been in a lot of pain overnight."

Young full-back or midfielder Mitchell had been suffering with a groin injury. Skipper Jim Magilton will be OK despite a sore foot.

Royle says he is expects a decent match against Bobby Robson's side: "It's a big game for us, we're looking forward to it. Night-time atmosphere, 15,000 tickets sold, 18,000 fans expected."

The Town manager says he anticipates facing a near first-choice Newcastle team: "I'm sure Bobby will bring a strong side for Dale."

New signing Patrick Kluivert will not be in the Newcastle side and nor will England defender Jonathan Woodgate, however, other than those two, Robson will be bringing a virtually full strength squad to Portman Road.

Robson has already confirmed that Alan Shearer will be in the line-up, while former Ipswich trio Titus Bramble, Darren Ambrose and Kieron Dyer will also be involved.

Town squad: Davis, Price, Wilnis, Mitchell, Richards, Barron, De Vos, Naylor, Diallo, Magilton, Miller, Westlake, Horlock, Murray, Bent, Bowditch, Couñago, Kuqi.

What to read next:

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.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.