Veteran Town defender Mark Venus has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee ligament injury. The 35-year-old looked to be on the verge of a return to action, however the knee is again giving him problems.

Blues' boss Joe Royle says Venus may need to take further advice from medical experts: "Mark was as right as rain in training last week, but now each day he gets up he's feeling it again.

"Mark's return can be a big boost for us. We'll keep on the course we are in the hope that it will finally clear. If not then we'll have to have another chat with the physiotherapy people and decide what other course of action to take."

There is better news regarding John McGreal who is continuing his recovery, also from a knee ligament problem. At the end of last week manager Royle put McGreal's comeback at two-to-three weeks' time.

Jim Magilton (calf) and Tommy Miller (tendinitis) are still the Blues' main injury worries ahead of Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls