Striker Sam Parkin will be out of plaster within a couple of weeks after his recent surgery was declared a success. Parkin broke his ankle in the Reading game and underwent an operation to have screws inserted in the joint.

Parkin saw his specialist yesterday and heard good news: "The ankle is healing well and things are progressing.

"I had x-rays taken and there are no problems with the way the operation went. I've had a new plaster cast fitted around the ankle and that will stay on for two weeks.

"After that, it will be the 'big boot' which keeps the ankle stabilised but will allow me to get around more.

"I should be able to put weight down on the foot before Christmas and begin my rehabilitation from there.

"I'm already missing not playing and will be at Portman Road on Saturday to watch the lads play QPR, which would have been a special game for me because they are the club I followed as a boy."

Parkin, who joined the Blues for £450,000 from Swindon in the summer, is expected to be out of action for between three and four months.

Photo: Action Images

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