Midfielder Gavin Williams says his 60 minutes at Preston on Tuesday caused no recurrence of his pelvic injury. The Welshman was returning to action for the first time since January.

Williams said: “I came through 60 minutes at Deepdale pain-free. I might need two or three games to regain match fitness.

“But I am feeling good again and am sure we can have a strong finish and move up the table.”

Meanwhile, groundsman Alan Ferguson has defended the relaid Portman Road pitch after recent criticism: “Saturday was the last straw. The pitch was even blamed by some for Alan Lee not being given a penalty.

“It is nonsense, the pitch is now even and level and there are no complaints from the players.”

The current pitch was put in place in December, replacing the surface laid last summer after various factors caused it to fail to settle.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls