PAUL Jewell has revealed rookie partnership Tommy Smith and Jack Ainsley could line up in the centre of defence against Hull City on Saturday.

The Ipswich Town boss has confirmed Ivar Ingimarsson will miss the first home match of the season after injuring his thigh in training on Monday.

And fellow centre back Damien Delaney is facing a race against time as he struggles to overcome his ankle injury.

This leaves Jewell with just one fit central defender, Smith, 21, and 20-year-old Ainsley, a right-back by trade – with time running out on a new defender being brought in before Saturday.

Speaking at this morning’s press conference, Jewell said: “The back four won’t be the same on Saturday. Ivar is out, but Damien is a tough character. Hopefully he will do a bit of training this morning.”