ON THE eve of Ipswich Town seeking an 11 consecutive home victory they have received an injury blow concerning central defender Richard Naylor.The 30-year-old has a slipped disc in his neck and he's been told to rest for a month.
ON THE eve of Ipswich Town seeking an 11th consecutive home victory they have received an injury blow concerning central defender Richard Naylor.
The 30-year-old has a slipped disc in his neck and he's been told to rest for a month.
He first suffered from a sore neck two weeks ago and has taken a couple of blows in training with a scan revealing the extent of the damage.
Ipswich manager Jim Magilton today confirmed that Naylor would have been in his thoughts for a return to the team tomorrow in the Coca-Cola Championship against high-flying Bristol City at Portman Road (kick off 3pm).
Naylor has been out since February with a toe injury, and Magilton said: “Richard is frustrated by the news and he would have been in contention tomorrow.”
Town have not won away for 12 games, which makes a continuation of their good home form imperative if they are to maintain a challenge for a play-off position.
They have three home games out of the next four but Magilton has warned that tomorrow's match will be a real test.
He said: “This will be our biggest test of the season.”
“Bristol City are not where they are in the table without deserving it.
“They are a very good side, are good in possession and will be a big threat. And they will not pack in. We must make it an uncomfortable a day as possible for them and intimidate them without going over the top.
“Our crowd has been a big plus for us at Portman Road and away dressing rooms are becoming aware of the fact that we have a 12th man.
“But Bristol will want to come here and break our record and it should be a thrilling game and a massive one as far as we are concerned.”
Danny Haynes will have a run around today before a decision is made on him returning to a squad that apart from Naylor is all fully fit.
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