Town boss Joe Royle has decisions to make in midfield ahead of Saturday's trip to Leicester City. However, with only four fit senior defenders, his backline picks itself.

Canadian centre-half Jason De Vos cracked ribs in last week's victory over Cardiff and will be out of action for at least another week, probably longer. Loanee Mark Fish's lack of fitness was hopelessly exposed at QPR on Tuesday and the former South Africa international has been sent back to Charlton to work on his fitness.

Youngsters Aidan Collins and Gerard Nash remain on the sidelines with injuries, while Royle has failed in three attempts to sign loan players this week. The Blues are keen not to risk wrecking the confidence of 17-year-old Chris Casement by giving him a debut before he is ready, while a Slovenian trialist failed to impress this week.

That leaves the Town manager with no other options other than to play Fabian Wilnis at centre-back with Richard Naylor with Matt Richards at left-back and Sito on the right.

Royle says that the loss of De Vos would be a blow to any Championship team: "Any side at this level would miss someone like Jason, but at least it's not long-term and he is already showing some improvement.

"It is still far too early to say for sure, but I would think the trip to Millwall in a couple of weeks is a realistic target for him."

In midfield, the Blues expect to have Darren Currie available despite the imminent birth of his child. Currie's wife Emma went into labour on Friday morning and the club are confident the midfielder will be back with the squad in time for Saturday's match.

Central midfielder Kevin Horlock impressed as a sub in the second half at QPR and could well keep his place in the side ahead of youngster Owen Garvan, who had a more difficult time at Loftus Road than he had against Cardiff.

Veteran skipper Jim Magilton may also drop to the bench having played all but a minute of Town's first two games. Canadian winger Jaime Peters has looked a constant danger when introduced during both games and could well be handed his first start.

Up front, Town will continue with Sam Parkin and Nicky Forster, both of whom have opened their goals account during the first week of the season.

Royle says the Foxes could be one of the sides to watch this season: "I expect Leicester to do well this year. Their manager, Craig Levein, is very meticulous and knows what he wants. He has reshaped his side since last season.

"They lost 4-1 at Sheffield United on Saturday, but the reports we have state they played better in that game than in Tuesday's 4-2 home win over Stoke."

Leicester have a number of injuries ahead of Saturday with midfielders Momo Sylla, Stephen Hughes, Patrick Kisnorbo, Gareth Williams and James Wesolowski all out. Danny Tiatto is back from suspension, while Dion Dublin is over a back problem.

Boss Craig Levein says he is happy with the way his side have started the season: "The signs are encouraging, but we need to pick up points again on Saturday.

"If we can pick up all three points then people will say that we have had a great start, but only last weekend they were saying that the pressure was on us.

"Ipswich are a good side. They finished third last season and I am sure Joe will be looking to improve on that this year. It will be a real test for us."

Saturday's referee is Michael Jones from Chester who showed 88 yellow and seven red cards in 36 games last season. He took control of the 1-1 draw between Sheffield Wednesday and Hull on Tuesday in which showed one yellow card.

He last refereed Town on the final day of last season when he failed to award the Blues a very obvious first half penalty for a foul on Darren Bent.

Squad: Price, Supple, Sito, Richards, Wilnis, Naylor, Currie, Westlake, Horlock, Peters, Magilton, Garvan, Juan, Parkin, Forster, Bowditch, McDonald.

Photo: Action Images

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