By Derek DavisDRISSA Diallo's long awaited return to action comes today in a behind-closed-doors game against Norwich City.The Frenchman has been pleased with his progress following a knee operation last month but admits the frustration has been getting to him.

By Derek Davis

DRISSA Diallo's long awaited return to action comes today in a behind-closed-doors game against Norwich City.

The Frenchman has been pleased with his progress following a knee operation last month but admits the frustration has been getting to him.

"It has been awful," he said. "I have had to be patient but it has been very frustrating. I have seen all of our home games and it is difficult when you can't be involved.

"This game will be important for me but I still have to take my time. The lads have done very well at the back so there is no guarantee I will get my place back, but I shall do my best."

Joe Royle will use the match to give some of the younger players a run out with Marc Smith, Stuart Boardley and Alfie Kamara getting a chance to impress.

Meanwhile, Pablo Counago returns from Spain today finding himself a goal less than when he went away. The Blues top-scorer returned home to celebrate the Spanish tradition of present-giving 12 days after Christmas but will be back in training today.

The goal credited to Counago at West Ham is likely to be given to Martijn Reuser, or go down as an own goal by Tomas Repka after the Football League agreed to review the winner.

Referee Barry Knight put the goal down as Reuser's after his left-footed shot deflected past David James.

His opinion concurred with the EADT and Radio Suffolk reporters.

But the Press Association ruled it to be Counago's goal.