Town are sweating on the fitness of two of their Irish contingent ahead of tonight's delicately poised FA Youth Cup final second leg at Portman Road against Southampton (KO 7.45pm). Left-back Michael Synnott and central midfielder Owen Garvan both picked up knee injuries in Monday's first leg at the St Mary's Stadium.

The Town youngsters, level with the Saints at 2-2 after the first leg, are already without striker Billy Clarke who injured a medial knee ligament in the second leg of the semi-final against Spurs.

If Synnott fails to make it, Sammy Moore will switch back to the right-back position he played in earlier rounds with James Krause at left-back. Scottish midfielder Fraser Beveridge may well be the man to replace Garvan having lined-up in central midfield against Aston Villa earlier in the competition.

Garvan has been one of Town's most impressive players during the Youth Cup run and would be a big miss if he is forced out of tonight's match.

The Blues, who played a 4-5-1 formation on Monday, could introduce another striker, probably Danny Haynes or Charlie Sheringham.

Southampton's only injury absentee is defender Kyle Critchell who missed the first leg after damaging an ankle in the semi-final against Wolves.

If Town win tonight's game it will be their third FA Youth Cup triumph, the Blues having previously won the trophy in 1973 and 1975.

Away goals do not count at any stage of tonight's match which will go into extra-time and then penalties if it is still level at 90 minutes. The referee is Championship official André Marriner.

All four Portman Road stands will be open for the game, although only the lower tiers of the North and Greene King Stand will be in use.

Tickets are available from the club shops for personal callers and via the Ticket Office by phone - 01473 400555. Cash turnstiles will also be in operation, although fans are advised to buy tickets in advance or arrive early.

Town are charging are £8 for adults and concessions, and £1 for under-16s. The game is live on Sky Sports Three.

Squad: Supple, Synnott, Moore, Krause, Casement, Collins, Trotter, Garvan, Beveridge, Lordan, Craig, Knights, Haynes, Hammond, Reynolds, Sheringham, Haverson, Ainsley.

Town Team Profiles by James Ager

Shane Supple - Goalkeeper
Supple is an Irish goalkeeper who has been on the first team bench as cover for Kelvin Davis this season. He has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 levels. He was spotted by Town coaches whilst playing for Home Farm in Ireland.

Michael Synnott - Full-back
Synnott is an Irishman who has represented his country at various youth levels. He was signed from Home Farm in Ireland after being spotted by Joe Martin and Larry Fox. He rejected the chance to join Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic in order to move to Ipswich. Came into the semi-final side at left-back at the last minute after illness to James Krause, having missed previous ties through a knee injury. Picked up another knee problem in the first leg of the final and looks likely to miss the Portman Road game.

James Krause - Left-back/Central defender
Krause hails from Bury St Edmunds and has represented England at U17 level. He joined Town at the age of 14 after being spotted playing for West Suffolk. Came on as a sub in the semi-final second leg and kept his place for the first leg of the final. With Synnott likely to be absent, looks a certain starter at Portman Road at left-back.

Sammy Moore - Right-back
Moore was signed by Chelsea from Charlton for a £20,000 fee at the age of just 15. Chelsea then released him and Town snapped him up. He is a real joker, and his brother Jason used to be a pro on the books of West Ham. He has represented England at youth level. Collided with a post at Spurs but recovered to play a midfield role in the first leg of the final. Will move back to right-back in Synnott's absence.

Chris Casement - Central defender
Casement is a strong and solid centre-back who has represented Northern Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 levels. He is the captain of the Northern Ireland youth side and he shares the captaincy at Ipswich with Liam Craig.

Aidan Collins - Central defender
Collins made his first team debut as a 16-year-old at the end of the 03/04 season as a late substitute at Derby County. He was also an unused sub in the win at Walsall last season. He has suffered a number of injuries in previous seasons, but he is making a real push for Joe Royle's first team squad. He scored Town's second goal in the FA Youth Cup match at Colchester United and the clincher in the second leg of the semi-final at Spurs.

Liam Trotter - Midfielder
Trotter was spotted whilst playing for local side Woodbridge Town earlier this season. The tall midfielder prefers to play in the center of midfield. He is a local lad who was educated at Northgate High School and his favourite player is Thierry Henry. Scored in both legs of the semi-final.

Owen Garvan - Midfielder
Garvan is an Irish midfielder who has made quite a few reserve team appearances this season. He was an unused sub in the match against Brighton at Portman Road earlier this season and has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 levels. He turned down the chance to join Celtic, Fulham and Nottingham Forest to sign for Town. His dad was his team manager from U8 level through to U16. Picked up a yellow card and a knee injury in the first leg of the final at the St Mary's Stadium and could miss out on the second game.

Fraser Beveridge - Midfielder
Beveridge is a Scottish midfielder, who prefers to sit just in front of the back four. Born in Dunfermline, his father, Danny, used to play for Dunfermline and Hearts. He scored for his school in the final of the Scottish Schools Cup and that, along with a 2-1 win after extra time at Leeds last season, was his best moment in football so far. Has been told he will not be offered a deal at the end of the season but could come in for Garvan in the second leg if the Irishman's injury keeps him out.

Cathal Lordan - Midfielder
Lordan was spotted by Town scout Paul Doyle, who persuaded him to join Ipswich. Another Irishman who has represented his country at U13 level all the way to U18 level, he is the youngest of five children and he can play anywhere across midfield. He scored in the FA Youth Cup victory over Aston Villa at Portman Road and the two stunning strikes at St Mary's.

Billy Clarke - Striker
Clarke is a feisty striker who joined Town at the age of 15 after being spotted by Malcolm Moore whilst playing for Maymount in Ireland. Aston Villa, Leicester City, Southampton and Everton all showed an interest in him, but he decided to join Town. He was put on standby for the senior match at Wigan earlier this season and given the number 24 shirt. He has also represented the Republic of Ireland at U15 to U19 levels. He has scored in four of the five FA Youth Cup matches so far this season, including the second in the semi-final first leg. A medial knee ligament injury sustained late in the second leg has kept him out of both final matches.

Darryl Knights - Striker
Knights is a local lad who has played for England at U16 and U17 levels. He joined Ipswich at U9 level. He can drop back into a wide midfield position, but he prefers to play up front. He scored two goals in the 5-0 demolition of Colchester United in the last round. Laid on both of Cathal Lordan's goals at St Mary's.

Charlie Sheringham - Striker
Sheringham is the son of former England striker Teddy Sheringham, who watches his son in action as much as he can. He achieved fantastic GCSE results, which could have helped him to pursue any kind of career, but he always dreamed of being a footballer. His only Town goal so far came in the 4-0 league victory over West Ham. Came on as a late sub in the first leg of the final.

Liam Craig - Midfielder
Craig is a left-footed midfielder who can also play at left-back. The Scotsman shares the captain's responsibility with Chris Casement. Craig has represented Scotland at U13 and U17 levels. He rejected the chance to join a Scottish club in order to play for Town. He sent the Blues through in the FA Youth Cup match at Stoke with two goals. He also scored against Colchester.

Jack Haverson - Defender
Haverson was signed from Fulham in the summer when he was 16. He is a tall defender who usually starts on the bench for Town's U18 side. His dad, Paul is the chief scout at West Ham United.

Andy Reynolds - Goalkeeper
Canadian-born Reynolds is on trial from Ridgeons League Premier Division side Lowestoft Town. The 17-year-old made his debut for the Town U18s in the recent 2-1 FA Premier Academy League win at the MK Dons.

Danny Haynes - Striker/midfielder
Haynes was released by Charlton Athletic in the summer. He had a trial period with Norwich City, but he decided to join Town. He is a strong lad and he never lacks commitment. He recently made his first substitute appearance at reserve team level. He scored in extra-time to send Town through against Portsmouth at Portman Road. A sub at St Mary's in the first leg.

Blair Hammond - Striker
Another local lad who helped Stoke High School to win a National Schools Competition in Year 11. He joined the Academy at U14 level, but he has received a few injuries so far this season. He had absolutely no hesitation in joining Town's Academy and is a natural goalscorer. He has only scored three league goals this season. A late substitute in the first leg of the final.

Route To The Final

Vs Portsmouth (H - Third round)
3-2 (aet) - James Krause, Billy Clarke, Danny Haynes
Town: Supple, Synnott, Krause, Beveridge (Trotter 63), Collins, Casement, Lordan, Garvan, Clarke (Haynes 74), Knights (Sheringham 105), Craig. Unused subs: Moore, Ainsley.

Vs Stoke City (H - Fourth round)
2-1 (aet) - Liam Craig (2, 1 pen)
Town: Supple, Moore, Krause, Casement, Collins, Beveridge, Garvan, Lordan, Clarke, Craig, Knights. Subs: Haverson, Ainsley, Trotter, Sheringham, Haynes.

Vs Aston Villa (H - Fifth round)
3-1 - Liam Craig, Cathal Lordan, Billy Clarke
Town: Supple, Moore, Ainsley, Beveridge (Trotter 70), Collins, Krause, Lordan (Haynes 72), Knights, Clarke, Garvan, Craig. Unused subs: Blackmore, Sheringham, Hammond.

Vs Colchester United (A - Sixth round)
5-0 - Darryl Knights (2), Aidan Collins, Liam Craig, Billy Clarke
Town: Supple, Moore, Krause, Trotter (Beveridge 77), Casement, Collins, Lordan (Haynes 77), Garvan, Clarke (Sheringham 87), Knights, Craig. Unused subs: Ainsley, Hammond.

Vs Tottenham (H - Semi-final first leg)
2-0 - Liam Trotter, Billy Clarke.
Town: Supple, Moore, Synnott, Trotter, Collins, Casement, Lordan, Knights, Clarke, Garvan, Craig. Unused: Hammond, Reynolds, Ainsley, Sheringham, Haynes.

Vs Tottenham (A - Semi-final second leg)
2-1 - Liam Trotter, Aidan Collins.
Town: Supple, Moore (Krause 67), Synnott, Trotter, Collins, Casement, Lordan (Haynes 68), Knights, Clarke (Sheringham 87), Garvan, Craig. Unused: Reynolds, Haverson.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls