ALUN Armstrong is set for a shock recall to the Ipswich Town side to face West Ham tomorrow, writes Derek Davis.But Blues boss Joe Royle will not be bringing in any new players on loan within the next 48 hours.

ALUN Armstrong is set for a shock recall to the Ipswich Town side to face West Ham tomorrow, writes Derek Davis.

But Blues boss Joe Royle will not be bringing in any new players on loan within the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, fellow free transfer-listed team-mate Andy Marshall looks set to be disappointed in his bid for a fresh start elsewhere.

Armstrong has forced his way back into the reckoning after scoring twice for the reserves against Southampton last week and looking impressive in a behind closed doors game on Wednesday, when he twice hit a post.

With Royle looking to shake his side up, I understand the 28-year-old striker will come in from the cold to provide fresh sharpness up front.

Town rejected a bid by Derby County to take Armstrong on loan last weekend with the striker looking for something more permanent.

The former Newcastle United, Stockport County and Middlesbrough hit man, who will be forever remembered for heading the winner against Inter Milan, has been out of the reckoning since being told he could leave at the end of last season.

But he has impressed with his determination, new-found fitness, sharpness and finishing in games and his inclusion will see even more scouts at Saturday's game.

Royle's plans to inject new blood into his side will have to be put on hold until at least one current player has been off-loaded.

That could still be Armstrong, but hopes that Sheffield United would swoop for Marshall faded a little last night when Blades boss Neil Warnock hinted he was hoping to secure another keeper on loan, to cover while Paddy Kenny recovers from cruciate ligament damage to a knee.

Warnock last night said Marshall was one of a number of keepers he was considering but people should not get excited abut him arriving at Bramall Lane.

Marshall has also shown good form in the rare games he has been playing but is still behind Kelvin Davis and Lewis Price.

While a permanent move would be the ideal solution for Marshall, Warnock has made it clear he only wants an initial three-month temporary cover so if he did come back for the Town keeper a month-to-month contract may be a compromise, allowing the former England under-21 player a get-out should another club move for him.

Meanwhile, Doncaster Rovers are considering a move for Nabil Abidallah and have invited him to train with them.

Altrincham midfielder Ryan France has been invited back to Portman Road for a further trial after impressing in the practice match against Cambridge United in midweek.