Central defender Richard Naylor is close to making a return to action after summer toe surgery. The one-time striker could play for the reserves in next Tuesday's Suffolk Premier Cup tie at Lowestoft.

Physio Matt Byard told the club site: "Richard has worked very hard and his rehabilitation has been quite remarkable. He's back kicking a ball, has trained with the first team, can cope with all the multi-directional exercises we have asked him to do and is making progress all the time.

"It's a case now of moving on and looking at him playing in the reserves. Next week against Lowestoft in the Suffolk Premier Cup is an option or maybe the week later, against Norwich - if everything carries on as it is."

Meanwhile, Town are understood to be continuing their search for loan players with a central defender expected to be amongst Jim Magilton's targets. The Town boss has also watched West Ham left winger Kyel Reid in recent weeks. A short-term addition could join the squad before Saturday's home game with Preston North End.

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