RICHARD Naylor today confirmed that he could be fit to play against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Portman Road on Saturday.The 30-year-old Ipswich Town central defender has been struggling since damaging a foot against Swansea in the FA Cup on January 27 and he underwent a toe operation in the summer.

By Elvin King

RICHARD Naylor today confirmed that he could be fit to play against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Portman Road on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Ipswich Town central defender has been struggling since damaging a foot against Swansea in the FA Cup on January 27 and he underwent a toe operation in the summer.

It has been a long and frustrating time for the Blues' longest serving player, who made an abortive comeback at Crystal Palace on February 3 but has been out of first team action since.

Naylor said: “If push came to shove I could play on Saturday.

“I am getting a few aches after matches and am taking supplements and tablets for that. It is gradually easing away.

“But I am getting no adverse reaction - so I feel I am on the way back after a number of false dawns.

“It is a case of playing in the reserves and catching the eye of the manager.”

Town are due to play Luton at home in a reserve fixture on Monday when Naylor hopes to take the next stage on his road back to full recovery.

He played in the Suffolk Premier Cup defeat at Lowestoft Town and also in last week's Pontin's Holiday Combination win over Norwich City at Portman Road.

“Fabian Wilnis has come in at the back and done well and I know that there is competition to get back into the team,” added Naylor.

“But I feel I am ready if needed.”

Blues skipper Jason De Vos today sung the praises of his

current central defensive partner Wilnis - the 37-year-old Dutchman having replaced Alex Bruce at the heart of the defence for the last three unbeaten matches.

“You know what you get from Fabian,” said De Vos. “He is great to play beside because he is consistent and reliable.

“You need competition and Fabian is a very important part of our squad. We are both great talkers.”

Wilnis is expected to keep his place on Saturday when Ipswich look to extend their home winning Coca-Cola Championship run to ten games.

They have only achieved this feat twice before in their history.

With a clean bill of health apart from midfielder Tommy Miller, manager Jim Magilton must decide whether to change his midfield.

Jon Walters and Owen Garvan are certain starters but Liam Trotter will be pushing Sylvain Legwinski and Gary Roberts and Danny Haynes are possible replacements for Billy Clarke on the left side.