Boss Joe Royle says he is now setting his sights on bringing in a young central defender on loan. Already during the transfer window, the Blues have signed striker Alan Lee from Cardiff for £100,000 and Gavin Williams from West Ham for £300,000.

Royle had been keen to add a left-back to his squad but the re-emergence of Scott Barron in recent weeks has seen a switch of focus: "The budget allows one more loan signing. Priorities change in football and we now have Alan to add weight up front.

"We have two good goalkeepers and a list of good midfielder players. Scott Barron has impressed at left-back in the last two matches and I have put on hold looking at three players who were due to come in on trial.

"Scott will come into my thoughts for this Saturday's game against Sheffield United at Portman Road, and with Sito Castro fit again, my side does not pick itself these days.

"A central defender is our main priority now."

Lee will make his debut against Sheffield United on Saturday with Nicky Forster still out of action with his knee injury. Better news is that Sam Parkin will start running next week and is around five weeks away from a return to action.

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