Northern Irish defender Chris Casement will make his first start for the Blues against Stoke on Saturday. Boss Joe Royle has pledged to make changes to his side after Saturday's lacklustre display at Luton.

Royle says that Casement has made great strides during the second half of the season: "Chris has been improving in front of our eyes. He has good skill, is sensible, has quick feet and is obviously good in the air as a centre-back. He also has a good long pass on him and we feel he is ready for a longer look in the first team."

Although primarily a central defender, Casement is likely to play at right-back, the position he filled when coming on as a sub against Crystal Palace and Hull City.

Skipper Jim Magilton is a big doubt for the visit by the Potters with the foot injury he sustained in the Hull game.

Defender Jay McEveley missed last night's second string defeat by Charlton as he was suffering with a sore knee after Saturday's first team game at Luton.

Meanwhile, Joe Royle says that Monaco are yet to quote Town a fee for Jimmy Juan, although we understand the French club are keen to keep the 22-year-old unless they receive a very substantial fee from the Blues or another interested party.

The Town manager says that Monaco want to see the midfielder in action again before the end of the season, their sporting director Jean-Luc Ettori having been at Portman Road for the Millwall game last month.

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