Keeper Shane Supple has emerged as a doubt ahead of Sunday's East Anglian derby at Norwich City. The young Irishman is one of three Town players sent home from training with a virus.

The Blues already have concerns over midfielders Jimmy Juan (heel) and Gavin Williams (knee) and Supple, Adam Proudlock and Vemund Brekke Skard have joined them on the sidelines.

Supple is the only one of the three ill players likely to be in the starting line-up, although Proudlock will be in the squad. Norwegian midfielder Skard is not yet considered ready for first team football after his groin operation.

Boss Joe Royle says he expects Jimmy Juan to be OK but that Gavin Williams hasn't made the progress hoped for earlier in the week: "Gavin has not come on as quickly as we expected and is the bigger doubt of the two injured players.

"He is hoping to train today and we will have a look at him and see how he gets on.

"Jimmy has a sore heel but I expect him to be okay. He has had a rest anyway after being suspended for the Leeds match.

"Shane has reported in sick overnight with a bug and Vemund Brekke Skard is also struggling. He came off after 50 minutes for the reserves in midweek feeling unwell.

"Adam Proudlock also appears to have the same problem and we have sent him home."

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