JIM Magilton admits he is fearing the worst as Pablo Counago visits a specialist in London after damaging ankle ligaments.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton admits he is fearing the worst as Pablo Counago visits a specialist in London after damaging ankle ligaments.

Magilton said: “We will know more after he has had a scan. Pablo is seeing a specialist but there is a real concern he may have fractured a bone or has a more serious problem.”

Tommy Smith will have surgery on his broken ankle tomorrow and the young centre half has been told the whole club is behind him.

Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton visited him in hospital on Monday night and praised the player's courage.

He said: “I have been to see him and it is a devastating blow for the lad and for everyone at the club but he is in the best possible care.

“He is a young man who will recover and has our full support.

“He is a great lad who has shown a lot of courage and it highlights how in football so much can change in a day.

The injury to the 18-year-old has cast a shadow over Town's preparations for tonight's game with Wigan but Magilton has called on his players to win it for Smith.

He said: “The whole episode has taken a shine off what has been a good week for us with two good away performances.

“I'm sure Tommy will be listening to the game so we hope we can put in a good performance and get a win against Premier League opposition to give him a boost.

“This will motivate our players to find another good performance and get a win even more.”