HERMANN Hreidarsson could be back playing at Portman Road next week, writes Derek Davis.But Ipswich Town supporters should not get too excited as the popular Icelander will be making his first appearance in a Charlton shirt as they take on the Blues reserves.

HERMANN Hreidarsson could be back playing at Portman Road next week, writes Derek Davis.

But Ipswich Town supporters should not get too excited as the popular Icelander will be making his first appearance in a Charlton shirt as they take on the Blues reserves.

Hreidarsson suffered a horrific gash above his knee in a comeback game following a four-match ban in March against Stoke City.

During his recovery Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic made bids for him and he joined Alan Curbishley's Addicks in an £800,000 transfer, last month.

Hreidarsson joined in with full squad training this week after a five-week lay-off and could well get a run-out in the Charlton reserves on Wednesday.

He told me last night: “The leg is fine now and I'm back to full training. I won't know for sure if I am playing until next week but I would love to come back and play in front of a big crowd at Portman Road.

“My recovery has gone well but there is no rush to get back playing so I will not take any unnecessary chances. We will see how I am.”

Although Hreidarsson is fit, he is not permitted to play for the Charlton first team in the Premiership this season as his registration missed the Premier League deadline but he can play for the second string.

And the former Crystal Palace, Brentford and Wimbledon star, who was a club record £4.5m signing for Town in 2000, has no regrets in choosing Charlton above Portsmouth, who were promoted on Tuesday.

He said: “It makes no difference. We all knew they were going to be in the Premiership anyway so I have no regrets about choosing Charlton.”

Hreidarsson, who still lives in Ipswich and is desperately hoping they can get into the play-offs, and win promotion, will be a keen watcher tomorrow night as Town entertain Pompey.

He warned: “Portsmouth will not be coming here to make up the numbers. They are promoted but now they will want to win the league so it will not be an easy game for Ipswich. They must watch out.”

Richard Naylor and Darren Bent are doubts ahead of tomorrow night's game, which is heading towards a 30,000 sell-out. Jim Magilton and Thomas Gaardsoe are both included in the squad despite twinges in the groin.