Midfielder Alan Quinn is Town's only injury doubt ahead of Saturday's home game with Blackpool. The Irishman, who turned his ankle during the warm-up at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, will be assessed after training today.

Boss Jim Magilton says he will be looking to field a side which will control the game against the Seasiders: “We have a number of options and we must ensure that we don't let Blackpool dictate to us like Watford last Saturday.

“We must sum up our options if necessary during the match and impose our authority on to the game.”

Magilton has a host of options throughout his side with Quinn the only fitness concern and the squad increased in numbers during January.

Stephen Bywater will continue in goal, but the Town manager must decide whether to recall full-backs David Wright and Sito, Dan Harding and Alex Bruce having occupied the left and right defensive roles at Crystal Palace.

Wright looks set to come in for Bruce, while Magilton has been impressed with Harding since he returned to the side in place of Sito and the former Brighton and Leeds man will probably continue on the left.

Bruce looks likely to be amongst the substitutes with Richard Naylor likely to keep his place alongside Jason De Vos, Town's longest-serving player having been one of the Blues' most impressive players at Selhurst Park when making his first start of the season.

In midfield, Owen Garvan could return after being rested against the Eagles, probably in place of Tommy Miller, with Velice Sumulikoski expected to make his first start after a very promising display in South London and with Miller dropping to the bench.

Quinn will probably come in on the left if fit with Danny Haynes replacing him if he fails to make it. David Norris is likely to start on the right. Liam Trotter will probably be in the 16, while Gavin Williams is in need of more reserve football before he is ready to return to first team action after his thigh injury.

Striker Alan Lee says he is now completely over the achilles problem which hampered him over Christmas and the Irish international is likely to be partnered by Jon Walters up front. The duo were impressive at Selhurst Park and created several chances for one another throughout the game. Pablo Couñago is likely to be amongst the subs.

Magilton is determined that his side should get back to winning ways at home after the defeat to Watford last week: "We were all bitterly disappointed to see our home run come to an end. I was hoping to keep it going until the end of the season, but now we have to start again and look to put together another long run - starting against Blackpool.

"Simon Grayson's team gave us a very difficult game at their place and I'm expecting much the same on Saturday.

"They've had some excellent results this season after taking the step up from League One, and if we are not on our game they could end up with another one.

"But until last Saturday our home form had been excellent and it's important that we get it back on track."

Blackpool, currently 15th in the Championship, will be without man mountain Latvian central defender Kaspars Gorkss who is suspended, but other than that manager Simon Grayson has a full squad to choose from and is likely to stick with the side which drew with Wolves in midweek.

Grayson is hopeful his side can take some points away from Portman Road after holding the Blues at home last month: "We've just taken five points from nine against Leicester, Hull and Wolves, and they're all big games.

"Ipswich got a good result against Crystal Palace, but we proved against them here that we can compete with them.

"After that we're at home to Charlton so they're coming thick and fast, but we're up to the challenge and the lads are enjoying the challenge."

Grayson has unhappy recollections of his last visit to Portman Road, a League Cup tie with Leicester City in 1997: "That's my last memory of being there - lying prostrate on a stretcher getting taken down the tunnel.

"On the bright side we went on to beat Wimbledon in the semis and then won at Wembley - and I was captain and lifted the trophy!

"It should be a good day tomorrow because Portman Road is a good ground and they have a vocal crowd who are close to the pitch and intimidating. That's probably why they've had such good home form.

"They are very well backed, it will be a decent atmosphere and we have to be able to cope. I just hope I don't end up getting carried off on a stretcher again!"

Former Town loanee Paul Gerrard joined the Seasiders on loan during the transfer window and is expected to be amongst the substitutes, while Paul Dickov is their main goalscoring threat, having recently signed from Manchester City on a short-term basis.

Town and Blackpool have met only rarely over the years, most recently the 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Road a month ago. Claus Jorgensen put the home side in front then, after Sito had been shown a straight red card for a two-footed challenge, Jon Walters equalised for the Blues.

Overall, Town have beaten the Tangerines four times, have drawn with them on six occasions and have lost twice. All of those games came in the league with the exception of a 1978/79 League Cup tie which the Seasiders won.

Saturday's referee is Fred Graham from Essex, who has shown 34 yellow and two red cards in 23 games during 2007/08. Graham has only started officiating at Championship level this season and has not previously refereed the Blues.

Likely squad: Bywater, Colgan, Wright, Harding, Sito, De Vos, Naylor, Bruce, Garvan, Sumulikoski, Quinn, Norris, Miller, Haynes, Trotter, Lee, Walters, Couñago.

Photo: Action Images

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