x

Magilton Still a Doubt - Ipswich Town News

Skipper Jim Magilton is Town's only injury worry as the Blues prepare for the visit of Preston North End on Saturday. Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis remains on the sidelines but is hoping to be back in contention next week.

Magilton, rested at Watford last Saturday, has a slight knee injury and returned to training today. The injury is not serious and is the result of wear and tear.

Manager Joe Royle names a 17-man squad due to Magilton's injury which will be assessed again before Saturday: "Jim has done some work today and we will have another look at him on Friday but hopefully he will be clear for Preston."

Davis has missed a month of football with a back problem but was back in training with goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes on Wednesday. Royle said recently that he would like Davis to play a reserve game before he got back into first team action. The second string play West Ham at Dagenham next Wednesday.

Young keeper Shane Supple will be back on the bench, after missing out last weekend because of a suspected broken toe. The Irishman came through the reserves game with Southampton on Monday without a problem.

Magilton's possible return and whether Royle keeps with the 4-3-3 formation used at Vicarage Road look to be the only questions regarding Saturday's line-up. If Magilton is back, it's likely the Blues will switch to 4-4-2 with Pablo Couñago probably dropping back to the bench. Otherwise Town will be unchanged.

Preston's striking options have been hit by the summer sale of star man Ricardo Fuller and the impending departure of Northern Irish frontman David Healy to Leeds. New manager Billy Davies is looking at bringing in new signings but Saturday may come too soon for any new additions.

Davies also has injury worries ahead of Saturday, with defenders Marlon Broomes and Callum Davidson both on the sidelines lately. Goalscoring keeper Andy Lonergan is also unavailable after breaking fingers.

American midfielder Eddie Lewis returns after suspension, while two loan players, full-back John Curtis and striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, could be back in the eleven after missing out in the Carling Cup match at Everton.

Saturday's referee is Iain Williamson from Berkshire who last refereed Town in last season's 0-0 draw at Millwall. This season he has shown 43 yellow and two red cards in 11 games.

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

What to read next:

Strong Blues Team Starts at Aberdeen
Town have named a strong line-up for this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (KO 7.30pm, live on TownTV).
Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.
Stanislas Appointed First-Team Coach as Town Add Set-Piece Analyst
The Blues have appointed former AFC Bournemouth, Burnley and West Ham winger Junior Stanislas as a first-team coach.
U19s Beaten in Second Game at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s were beaten 3-2 by Slovan Bratislava in their second and final group game at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Town Continue Pre-Season at Aberdeen
Town face Scottish Premiership Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their second public friendly of the summer this evening (KO 7.30pm).
Town Women to Start WSL2 Season at Southampton
Ipswich Town Women will open their first ever second-tier season with a WSL2 away game at Southampton on Saturday 6th September (KO 2pm) with Nottingham Forest the first visitors to the JobServe Community Stadium, the Blues’ new home, the following weekend.
Morsy: The Best Spell of My Career and Life
Departing Town captain Sam Morsy has issued a message to fans, teammates, manager Kieran McKenna and his staff following confirmation of his move to Kuwait SC, while the squad and ex-players have paid their own tributes to the Egyptian international.
Town Confirm Morsy Exit For Kuwait SC
Town skipper Sam Morsy’s move to Kuwait SC has been confirmed.
Town Announce Matchday Ticket Prices
Town have confirmed their matchday ticket prices for the Championship season ahead.
Luongo Close to Joining Millwall
Former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo is closing in on joining Millwall following his trial with the Lions.