Town could be without Gareth McAuley, Darren O’Dea, Connor Wickham and Jimmy Bullard when they take on already-relegated Preston in the season’s final home game on Saturday. Defenders McAuley and O’Dea have definitely been ruled out, while striker Wickham and midfielder Bullard are both doubts with rib and knee injuries respectively, having missed the defeat at Swansea on Monday.

Manager Paul Jewell said: “Connor and Jimmy are doubts for the weekend. Gareth McAuley’s out and Darren O’Dea’s out, so we’re pretty much stretched at the moment.

“Troy Brown came off the bench on Monday, so Troy will be in contention. Jimmy or Connor might be fit, they’re doubts but if there’s any doubt they won’t play, although they’re both desperate to play.

“I don’t like ruling people out on a Thursday but certainly Darren O’Dea has a nasty ankle injury and he’s out for the season. He won’t play and Gareth McAuley won’t be fit either because he’s got a tear in his groin.”

The Town boss says he considered recalling Tommy Smith from his loan spell at Colchester but has decided that the New Zealand international can remain with the League One side at least for this weekend.

In addition to the injuries, Lee Martin will serve the final game of his three-match ban.

Photo: Action Images

MAVERICK added 15:33 - Apr 28 I would like to see Tommy Smith back, also Jaime Peters given a game !
0

devontractorboy added 16:43 - Apr 28 I hope Ipswich Towns team will look very different next season. If most of the others wanted to sign, they would have done so when we were classed as safe. Mass exit and a blend of youth and new players, expect a Burley type 5 year plan for promotion & I think it will take that long. I agree give the kids or at very least those who have committed to the club a game on Saturday. Come on you blues.

0

RRanger added 16:57 - Apr 28 Talk about conspiracy theories - Connor picked up his rib injury v Norwich and GMac limped off v Swansea holding his groin. If a few more of the people commenting on this site actually went to these games they would have seen all this for themselves. Regarding those that are mulling over their contract offers (GMac particularly) these are life decisions for the players concerned. It is obviously easier for a Hyam or Murray to quickly sign new contracts - they don't have wives,kids in school etc to consider plus they have their whole career in front of them. All this talk from people on this site saying that we don't want them if they don't instantly put pen to paper just show their immaturity and thoughtlessness.

0

denhamblue added 16:58 - Apr 28 worst team ive seen,including the john duncan shower.
0

Daleyitfc added 17:21 - Apr 28 Tragedy (not) : McAuley : adequate but wants to leave ; O'Dea : just awful, have no idea why he is still here when we could have sent him back months ago ; Wickham : overblown and out of steam ; Bullard : a crock Should ensure a much better result against Prestonpans.
0

jas0999 added 17:37 - Apr 28 Interesting: O'Dea and Bullard who are onloan and closeto going back to their clubs where they may be sold in the Summer. Wickham linked to numerous clubs and McAuley linked with Rangers. Anyone else think they may not want to pick up or worsen an injury?!! As I will be travelling 150+ miles for the Preston game - and having paid for it via my season ticket - I sincerely hope we will field a strong team. I have not spent out to watch the youth team.

0

osborne1nil added 18:07 - Apr 28 Too much being read into this, they are injured and obviously if you're committing yourself to another 2 or 3 years you need to happy with the deal. I for one would like to see Peters and Brown and O'Connor play also Hyam. Change the keeper to anybody else, even PJ himself! Upfront if Wickham is out then give Murray a try or even play Norris upfront with Peters? Nothing to lose and could be entertaining seeing a different line up and Leadbitter not just passing the ball back to defenders who hoof it to Scotland who loses it and then Preston attack and score! I am glad this is the last game of a dismal season with few highlights beyond the cup game against Arsenal, where we looked good.

0

Blue_Heath added 22:07 - Apr 28 Play the youth, stick in the likes of Murray, Hyam, Brown etc Would much rather see some young blood play to at least end the season on some semi positive note.
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls