Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Magilton to Return
Magilton to Return
Monday, 27th Dec 2004 16:16

Town manager Joe Royle is expected to recall skipper Jim Magilton for Tuesday's live Sky game at home to Stoke City (KO 12.15pm). The Northern Irishman was rested and left on the bench for the away defeat at Millwall on Boxing Day.

The Blues have no new injury worries and Royle will have to choose which of his other midfielders will make way for Magilton.

Other than Magilton returning, the Blues will otherwise be unchanged. Central defender Drissa Diallo is out for the full Christmas programme, while keeper Lewis Price has signed a second month's loan at Cambridge.

Boss Royle is a fan of his Stoke counterpart Tony Pulis: "All teams managed by Tony are well organised and it is no big story to me to see Stoke up there challenging.

"Tony has done a good job wherever he has gone, normally on no budget and he is proving that again at Stoke."

The Potters have based their success this season on a tight defence, having conceded only 17 goals. Netting at the other end has been a problem, however, and Pulis's side has scored just 18 times.

Given the lack of goals in the majority of their matches, perhaps surprisingly the game between the same two sides at the Britannia Stadium ended 3-2 to the home side.

Stoke have doubts over John Halls, red-carded against Town earlier in the season, who has a hamstring strain. Also a concern is midfielder Dave Brammer with a thigh strain.

Pulis is expecting a difficult game: "This is a tough one for us. It's hard to start with, and we may be one or two players missing, which makes it harder.

"We know how Ipswich will play - they have good forwards and they can open you up and score goals.

"But the spirit within our squad is exceptional and I can promise our supporters we will go there and have a go. Ipswich won't find it easy to beat us."

Tuesday's referee is Lee Mason from Lancashire who has shown 47 yellow and no red cards in 18 games this season. He last refereed Town in the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at Doncaster back in September.

Town squad; Davis, Supple, Wilnis, Richards, Karbassiyoon, De Vos, Naylor, Magilton, Miller, Westlake, Horlock, Currie, Bent, Kuqi, Bowditch, Couñago.


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.


You need to login in order to post your comments

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024