FAILURE to beat Notts County last week has cost Ipswich Town the chance of paying a new player's salary for a year, according to Blues boss Joe Royle.But Ipswich are still likely to move for another loan signing with Newcastle United midfielder Bradley Orr in the frame.

By Derek Davis

FAILURE to beat Notts County last week has cost Ipswich Town the chance of paying a new player's salary for a year, according to Blues boss Joe Royle.

But Ipswich are still likely to move for another loan signing with Newcastle United midfielder Bradley Orr in the frame.

The Magpies have drawn Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the Carling Cup after the Second Division minnows knocked Town out last week.

Royle was still livid at the 12th-minute penalty decision which resulted in County's winner, and as Town were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining 78 minutes, they have lost out on a bumper pay day.

Even if Chelsea don't field their strongest side against County, they are bound to put out a quality XI full of stars and get a decent gate.

Royle said: "It should never have been a penalty. Notts County have drawn Chelsea in the next round and that is a money-spinner.

"It shows what a costly decision that was. It could have been a player's salary for a year for us."

Although Town have three loan players on their books at the moment, they are able to take a fourth, and Liverpool-born Orr has been linked with the Blues along with tomorrow's opponents Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.

The 20-year-old, who can play central midfield or central defence, has been a regular in Newcastle's reserves but with a dozen other midfielders ahead of him at the moment he doesn't appear to have much chance of breaking into the first team.

Chris Bart-Williams and Richard Naylor both picked up their fourth bookings of the season in the 2-1 win at Watford on Saturday and are one caution away from a one-match ban. Bart-Williams' initial month ends after this Saturday's home game with Rotherham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley is believed to be ready to take him back to the Valley.

With Drissa Diallo still at least two weeks away from recovering from knee ligament damage and Naylor close to suspension, someone like Orr may be welcome cover, although he lacks league experience.

The arrival of Shefki Kuqi has added more numbers to the Town attack, with Sheffield Wednesday believed to be ready to accept £300,000 at the end of the loan period. However, even that would be too much money unless the share issue produces excellent results.

Kuqi scored on his debut as Town recorded their first away win of the season and jumped up to 16th place with a 2-1 victory at Watford.

Skipper Jim Magilton hit the winner with a wonderful chip which beat former Town apprentice and Colchester United keeper Alec Chamberlain and was similar to an effort which beat Watford keeper Trevor Cherry – many years ago.

Magilton said: "Of course I meant it. I have done it before, you can look silly when it fails but it is brilliant when they come off."

n Draw for Carling Cup third round: Bristol City v Southampton, Everton v Charlton, Nottm Forest v Portsmouth, Blackburn v Liverpool, Bolton v Gillingham, Wigan v Middlesbrough, Wolves v Burnley, Blackpool v Crystal Palace, Chelsea v Notts County, QPR v Man City, Reading v Huddersfield, Aston Villa v Leicester, Tottenham v West Ham, Arsenal v Rotherham, Newcastle v West Brom, Leeds v Man Utd. Ties to be played week commencing October 27.