FRANCIS Jeffers is today back at Portman Road.The EADT revealed last week that boss Jim Magilton was so impressed with the on-loan Blackburn striker's recovery from a torn hamstring that he hoped to play him again before the end of this season and Jeffers has taken a step nearer that target.

By Derek Davis

FRANCIS Jeffers is today back at Portman Road.

The EADT revealed last week that boss Jim Magilton was so impressed with the on-loan Blackburn striker's recovery from a torn hamstring that he hoped to play him again before the end of this season and Jeffers has taken a step nearer that target.

He will work with the Blues' medical staff this week and if it is mutually decided he will be able to play a part in the remaining half-a-dozen games after his monthly loan spell ends next Monday after the Plymouth game, then Town will extended the loan by a further 93 days.

Jeffers said: “I'm recovering quicker than I expected and have come back to Ipswich for the physio staff to have a look at how things are progressing

“I'm here for the week to continue my rehab and we'll take it from there.”

The former Arsenal and Everton striker gave Town a boost in his short stint before getting injured in the home defeat by Southend after scoring in the 5-2 win over Hull City. Town are hoping he can have the same sort of impact in the final run-in.

Magilton added: “Much depends on the injury and what Blackburn say but we would love to have Franny here for the rest of the season.”

Jeffers still has another full season left on his Blackburn deal and while Town can afford his wages on a loan spell with the help of Rovers, it would be a different proposition to take on the remainder of his contract on a permanent basis and extend it.