Boss Jim Magilton has revealed that Blackburn striker Franny Jeffers could return to the Blues before the end of the season. The one-time England international went back to Ewood Park earlier in the month after suffering a hamstring tear in the home game with Southend.

It had been thought that the injury would put the ex-Everton and Arsenal man out for the season, however, Magilton says he is on the mend and could be back in action soon: “Franny has done very well and is making better than expected progress. We would love to have him back and if everyone is agreed and we can be sure that we will get some games out of him, then we will sign him for the rest of the season.”

Town are asking Blackburn if Jeffers can complete his recovery at Portman Road before returning to the side once fit. The 26-year-old was a huge hit during his two starts and one sub appearance for the Blues.

With Jeffers out injured, Magilton says he asked Aston Villa about their striker Luke Moore, but the Midlanders were unwilling to allow the 21-year-old go out on loan. The Town boss has no further plans to make other similar enquiries should Blackburn refuse to allow Jeffers to return or his fitness prevents him from getting back to action.

Meanwhile, Magilton is considering recalled central defender Ian Miller from his loan spell with Darlington. The former Bury Town man is with the Quakers to gain league experience having previously spent time with Boston. Miller, who has two weeks left of his current spell, has made seven starts and has scored one goal while in the North-East.

Magilton has also reiterated his intention to give academy youngster Tommy Smith a first team run-out before the end of the season. Central defender Smith is currently away with the England U17s in Bosnia for UEFA European U17 Championship elite qualifying round games.

Town are in need of central defensive cover at present with Jason De Vos not 100% and Richard Naylor still not training. The former Canadian international's foot is still painful due to the cracked metatarsal which saw him miss most of February, while Naylor injuried a toe in the cup tie with Swansea in January. De Vos also required several stitches to a mouth injury after being caught in the face at Luton.

Sylvain Legwinski limped off in the first half of the game at Kenilworth Road with a foot problem and Town should know the results of a scan later today.

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