Town could have Richard Naylor back in their squad as Sunderland visit Portman Road on Monday afternoon.

Naylor has missed out with a broken toe of late but is close to full fitness. If he isn't involved against the Black Cats then he is likely to play for the reserves against Fulham on Wednesday.

The Blues will be without Chris Bart-Williams who had an injection on his back problem at the weekend. If the jab is successful then he could be available for selection as soon as next weekend.

Pablo Couñago (hamstring) and Chris Makin (recovering from recent hip operation) are the Blues' other absentees.

Fabian Wilnis is likely to return at right-back after missing out at Rotherham. The Dutchman will make his 200th appearance for the Blues.

Sunderland will probably have Thomas Myhre between the sticks as first choice Mart Poom is out with a dead leg.

Stephen Wright and George McCartney are both missing, while Paul Thirlwell and Matt Piper could return to the side after a punishing recent league and cup schedule. Jeff Whitley misses out due to suspension.

Former Town striker Marcus Stewart is back at Portman Road for the first time having missed out on the FA Cup game earlier in the season. The front man is expected to start on the bench.

Town squad: Davis, Price, Wilnis, Richards, Mitchell, McGreal, Elliott, Naylor, Santos, Diallo, Magilton, Miller, Westlake, Wright, Reuser, Bent, Bowditch, Kuqi, Armstrong.

Photo: Action Images

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