Boss Jim Magilton will once again give young defenders Pim Balkestein and Tommy Smith a chance to impress him when the Blues take on West Ham at Portman Road this evening (KO 7.45pm).

Magilton says the pair are in with a shout of being given a start against Preston on Saturday: "Pim has impressed me at left-back, and if he does not turn out to be a success in the game it will our fault.

"He has given me food for thought for a left-back role. Tommy has also impressed me pre-season.

"I was pleased with his display against West Brom and he will be a better player for that game. He is a challenger, and I will be watching him closely tonight.”

The Blues will be without Jon Walters, who is away on compassionate leave, and David Norris who has a new heel injury. Norris has already been ruled out of the Preston game, while Walters also looks unlikely to play any part with rumours regarding a Premier League move continuing to circulate.

The Hammers are likely to bring around 2,500 fans to tonight's match.

Meanwhile, chief executive Derek Bowden is reported to be set to continue talks with Ben Thatcher later today.

Photo: Action Images

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