First team coach Bryan Klug says that striker Dean Bowditch still has a future with the Blues despite another stuttering season. The former England U19 international, who has a year left on his Town contract, returns to action for the reserves this evening after a spell out with a groin injury.

Klug says Bowditch remains in the management's plans: "Both Jim and I still think the world of Dean and the door has definitely not closed on him. People forget how young he is really. He is only 20 and still has time to develop."

Bowditch has made only 14 appearances this season, 11 for the Blues and three for loan club Brighton. Klug says the frontman needs to play games between now and May to put himself back in contention for the first team.

The reserves face Leyton Orient at Portman Road (KO 7pm) with a victory all but securing the Pontin's Holidays Combination League East Division. Only Southend winning all four of their remaining games and improving their goal difference by at least 15 would prevent Richard Hall's side from claiming the title.

Meanwhile, Darryl Knights, a regular scorer for ther reserves in the early part of the season, has finally made his senior debut for loan side Yeovil Town.

The striker was a 64th minute sub for the Glovers in their 1-0 defeat to Oldham on Saturday. Knights had impressed in the Somerset club's reserves and did well enough in their first team to be considered for a full debut when they take on league leaders Scunthorpe at Gladford Park on Friday.

On-loan winger Darren Currie made his second appearance for Derby in their 2-1 win at Barnsley, but Town's other loan players - Chris Casement at Millwall, James Krause at Carlisle and Martin Brittain at Yeovil - were not involved this weekend.

Elsewhere, reports in the North-East claim that former Blue Titus Bramble is all but certain to join Portsmouth in the summer. Bramble is expected to be part of a mass exodus from St James' Park with Kieron Dyer reported to be amongst those who might also make their exit.

Town would receive a sell-on if a move is above the £6.5 million the Magpies paid the Blues for the midfielder in 1999, but it's likely that the 28-year-old would command a lower fee given his recent injury record.

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