Town are likely to go into Sunday's game against Millwall unchanged as they chase their best start to a season since 1988 (Sky Sports One, KO 1pm). The Blues have doubts over Tommy Miller and Jason De Vos but both players expect to be fit.

De Vos picked up a sore left knee in Canada's 1-1 draw with Honduras last Saturday, while Miller is suffering with an ankle problem acquired in Town's last league win at home to Wolves.

Town boss Joe Royle has special praise for De Vos and the rest of the Town backline, who he says have improved vastly on last season's less than solid defensive record: "We were jut not getting our heads to the ball in the box last season when our defensive record was the worst in the division.

"Jason De Vos was our number one target to put this right. He has done everything expected of him. Apart from the Derby game, we have defended well right though pre-season to the current time."

Drissa Diallo's move to right-back has also helped out, particularly at set-pieces where the Blues were especially vulnerable last season. Royle says this switch came about mainly due to an injury: "Fabian Wilnis was injured and Drissa has taken his chance.

"He is quick, good with one-on-ones and is also outstanding in the air. It is a plus to have someone at the far post who can head the balls clear."

Royle says that the acquisition of Kevin Horlock to anchor the midfield has been pivotal to Town's success so far this season.

Regular left-back Matt Richards is fit to return to the squad but is unlikely to replace Fabian Wilnis who hasn't put a foot wrong since he took over on the left.

A victory would take Town to 16 points from seven games, better than their early season haul at any time since 1988 when John Duncan's men took 17 from their first seven.

Millwall expect to have new signing Barry Hayles up front after joining from Sheffield United for £75,000.

The Lions may also have Australian defender Kevin Muscat back for the first time in five months after getting a couple of reserve games under his belt.

Jason de Vos's international compatriots Josh Simpson and Adrian Serioux are both expected to play after being involved in Wednesday's defeat against Costa Rica, a match the Town central defender missed due to suspension as well as injury.

However, Serioux has a minor shoulder injury which is expected to make him unable to produce any of his lengthy throw-ins. Paul Ifill may also be back after an Achilles problem.

Former Blue Andy Marshall will probably be on the bench despite number one keeper Graham Stack's arrest earlier this week regarding an alleged sexual assault.

Sunday's referee is Tony Bates from Stoke. So far this season he has shown 11 yellow cards and no red in five games. He last refereed Town in a 2-1 win against Coventry in November 2002, Joe Royle's first home league victory as boss of the Blues.

Squad: Barron, Bent, Bowditch, Couñago, Davis, Diallo, De Vos, Dinning, Horlock, Kuqi, Magilton, Miller, Naylor, Price, Richards, Westlake, Wilnis.

Photo: Action Images

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