x

Davis Only Absentee - Ipswich Town News

Town will again be without first choice keeper Kelvin Davis when they face Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday. Davis is still not ready for a return after his back injury and Lewis Price will keep his place in what is likely to be an unchanged side.

The former Wimbledon and Luton man is expected to be back in full training next week but may need a reserve game to get his sharpness back after spending a month on the sidelines.

Town have no other injury concerns, Jason De Vos seemingly happy to play with a hairline fracture of a toe and Darren Bent appearing to have few problems with his hamstring during the 2-2 draw at Leicester on Tuesday.

Watford manager Ray Lewington says his team should not be underrated: "When we're on our game we're as good as any side in this division - just look at our performance against Wigan the last time we were at home.

"However, I still think that some of the players still go into games thinking we're the underdogs, but they shouldn't, because what we've got here money can't buy. We've got tremendous team spirit and coupled with ability and organisation that can go a long way. There's no one we should be afraid of and as soon as that sinks in the better."

The Hornets have full-back Paul Mayo back after a groin strain while Paul Devlin is not yet ready after a hamstring problem. Midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson picked up a groin injury in the warm-up of Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

Saturday's referee is Kevin Wright from Cambridgeshire. So far this season he has shown 22 yellow cards in nine games and is yet to send a player off. Wright has not previously taken control of a Town game and this will be only his fourth Championship match in two seasons as a league official.

Squad: Bent, Bowditch, Couñago, De Vos, Diallo, Horlock, Kuqi, Magilton, Miller, Mitchell, Naylor, Price, Richards, Supple, Westlake, Wilnis.

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.