Town are likely to go into Sunday's derby with Norwich with a full squad, with the exception of Mark Venus who is short of match practice.

Marcus Stewart resumed training yesterday with physio Dave Williams and should join the rest of the squad today. He is likely to start up front with David Johnson which will mean that James Scowcroft will play in midfield.

Jermaine Wright will drop to the bench. The Blues will be looking to Johnson and Stewart to score Town's first derby goal since the 5-0 win two seasons ago.

The matches since then have been dour affairs not helped by a very defensive attitude from the Canaries and unpopular lunchtime kick-offs.

Norwich fans are not hopeful of repeating last season's Portman Road triumph, despite the departure of Bruce Rioch. Bryan Hamilton has tried to bring in Ruel Fox for Sunday but the player is thinking about the offer for a few days and is unlikely to be available for Sunday. City are also trying to sign another unnamed Premiership midfielder today.

Richard Naylor has put off surgery on his knees until the end of the season. The Town striker has had long-term problems with tendinitis and only trains a couple of times a week.

The injury doesn't affect him during games but causes him trouble the day after a game. It is not thought to be a serious problem, merely a nagging one and an operation on either knee should be an end to it.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls