Boss Jim Magilton has admitted his players need to step up a gear after a disappointing first half of the season which has left the Blues in 12th position in the Championship.

Magilton, who joined several of his players on a visit to Bergholt Ward at Ipswich Hospital yesterday, said: "I know we must do better. The players I brought in have had time to settle now.

"They now know about me and this club - and where we want to go. Now is the time to produce. There is no reason for excuses any more, and we must rise another notch.”

The Blues, who Magilton says will look to sign one or two new players during the January transfer window, face Coventry at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday. The Sky Blues have had good news on the injury front with defender Stephen Wright and striker Leon McKenzie both coming through a training game earlier in the week.

Wright has missed much of the season with an achilles problem, while McKenzie tore a thigh muscle in October.

However, manager Chris Coleman will be without captain Scott Dann (shoulder) and midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin (knee).

Photo: Action Images

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