BRYAN Klug says that Portman Road is a magnificent place to play football.And he expects to see it at its best on Boxing Day when Birmingham City are the visitors in the Coca-Cola Championship (kick-off 3pm).

Elvin King

BRYAN Klug says that Portman Road is a magnificent place to play football.

And he expects to see it at its best on Boxing Day when Birmingham City are the visitors in the Coca-Cola Championship (kick-off 3pm).

The Blues first-team coach said: “I can recall sitting in the coaches room with Sir Alex Ferguson after Manchester United had played here during our last spell in the Premier League.

“He remarked what a great place Portman Road is to play football.

“And, after being at this club for 30 years, I agree with him.

“With a good-sized crowd creating a tense atmosphere, Boxing Day's match has all the ingredients to bring out the best from the place.

“It will be a big test for us against one of the top sides in the division.

“They will be looking to bounce back after two defeats, while we owe them after being blitzed at St Andrews for the first 20 minutes of the corresponding game.”

David Wright is suffering from a hamstring problem, with Ben Thatcher and Pim Balkestein standing by to come in to take his place if the reliable defender does not make it.

Veliche Shumulikoski and Owen Garvan will come back into contention for a midfield place after being rested and suspended respectively for the 2-2 draw at Coventry.

Alex Bruce still has two more games to go before he has served his four-match ban, while team captain Gareth McAuley came through the Coventry game with no reaction to his leg injury.

To complete their Christmas fixtures Town visit Derby on Sunday afternoon.