Injury worries Dean Bowditch and Gavin Williams are both included in the squad for Saturday's game at Sheffield Wednesday. Bowditch has recovered from an achilles problem and Williams from a dead leg.

The Blues will be without Kevin Horlock who is out of action for another two weeks, possibly longer, with his knee injury. Striker Billy Clarke is sidelined for up to six weeks after dislocating his elbow in the reserves game at Portsmouth, although the club hope he will be back much sooner.

Clarke's injury has led to the Blues ending Dean McDonald's loan spell with League One side Hartlepool United.

Sam Parkin is out for around three more months with a broken ankle and Vemund Brekke Skard is due back in action soon after he receives clearance to play in January after his groin operation.

Better news is that Owen Garvan and Ian Westlake came through the reserves game with no problems and are in the travelling party, although neither is likely to start.

Boss Joe Royle missed his regular pre-match press conference as he was at the club's monthly board meeting, assistant manager Willie Donachie taking his place.

The former Sheffield Wednesday coach said he was impressed with the second half performance against QPR last week: "We kept the ball well, made loads of chances and it was a great balance between those two things; being aggressive attack-wise but also keeping possession and controlled attack, rather than route one football or passing the ball around too much.

"The balance was just about right in the second half and I was very encouraged by that. Statistically, we got loads of shots on target, had loads of possession, everything you want from the team, and afterwards we felt we were unlucky not to win."

Donachie said he enjoyed his time at Sheffield Wednesday prior to joining the Blues, describing it as "a great club", but felt he couldn't turn down the opportunity to be reunited with Joe Royle when he took over at Portman Road in October 2002.

The ex-Scotland international full-back says that he knows nothing of reported interest in Lewis Price from Wigan but wouldn't be surprised if either of the club's keepers are being watched: "I'm sure loads of clubs are interested in Lewis and Shane. They're both going to be very good goalkeepers.

"They've got a great temperament, a great attitude to the game and very good ability. If I was at a big club I'd be looking at them."

Richard Naylor, who plays his 250th league game for the Blues at Hillsborough, could again be utilised as an emergency striker, although the Town management much prefer to use the club's longest-serving player at central defence.

Nicky Forster looks a certain starter, while Dean Bowditch or Danny Haynes, who did his cause no harm with his goal from right midfield on Saturday, are the former Reading man's likely partners.

Adam Proudlock, on-loan from the Owls, is unavailable under the terms of the loan deal but in any case has a knee injury.

Midfield is again the area where Joe Royle has most choice, but Jimmy Juan and Gavin Williams seem certain to keep their places. Darren Currie has been used from the bench in recent away games and Danny Haynes may be given a wide role if he isn't employed up front.

Skipper Jim Magilton will make his 300th appearance for Town if he is involved, against the side from whom joined the Blues back in 1999 for £682,500.

Matt Richards, who will be making his 100th league appearance, is another strong contender for a start in midfield, although the one-time England U21 international may be used at left-back if Richard Naylor is played in the attack, forcing Fabian Wilnis from the left-sided defensive role into the centre. Lewis Price will continue in goal with Sito on the right and Jason De Vos in the centre.

Former Blue Drissa Diallo is aiming to return to action after a hamstring problem, having made the first of his six appearances for Wednesday in Town's 2-1 victory over the Owls in August. The Guinean has had an injury-hit season since leaving Town on a free transfer in the summer.

Midfielder Glenn Whelan returns after a back injury and Chris Brunt could take the place of Burton O'Brien. John Hills is available after a knee operation.

Nicky Weaver, who worked under Joe Royle and Willie Donachie during their time at Manchester City, is on loan with Wednesday after his lengthy spell in the Maine Road and Eastlands treatment rooms due to a major knee injury.

Saturday's referee is Iain Williamson from Berkshire who has shown 66 yellow and four red cards in 20 matches this season. Williamson last refereed the Blues in last season's 5-1 home win against Crewe and prior to that the 3-0 victory over Preston North End.

Squad: Bowditch, Currie, De Vos, Forster, Garvan, Haynes, Juan, Magilton, Naylor, Peters, Price, Richards, Sito, Supple, Westlake, Williams, Wilnis.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls