Defender Alex Bruce is back in training after missing the last two matches with the groin problem he sustained in the 2-0 defeat at Bristol City. The Irish international could be available for Saturday's home game with Scunthorpe.

Physio Matt Byard told the club site: “Alex has made good progress and will return to training today.

"He will be monitored from there with a view to being available for the weekend."

Meanwhile, boss Jim Magilton has praised strikers Alan Lee, Jon Walters and Pablo Couñago after each netted their ninth goal of the season in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Leicester City: "It was great to see all three front men on target again in midweek.

"Last year, we relied on Alan's goals and didn't have anyone else really chipping in, so to have three players approaching double figures for the season is very encouraging.

"We know that if we can get the ball into the right areas for the three of them, they will score goals and they have proved that."

Despite the goals from Town's attacking trio, the Blues' home attendances have dropped this season. Chief executive Derek Bowden says he expects numbers to increase in the second half of the season: “We are conscious that we are not alone in this downward trend, and I don't believe it is about price.

“The mix of matches we have had so far have been less attractive than in the first half of last season - and there have been reduced numbers of visiting fans coming to Portman Road.

“At this time of year the extra expense caused by Christmas plays a part, and we have been allocated six home games in just over a month starting with the Leicester fixture.”

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls