IPSWICH Town midfielder Owen Garvan says that the next three games will shape the season for the Tractor Boys.Starting with tonight's match against Leicester City (kick-off 7.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town midfielder Owen Garvan says that the next three games will shape the season for the Tractor Boys.

Starting with tonight's match against Leicester City (kick-off 7.45pm), Town have a trio of games at Portman Road with Scunthorpe the visitors on Saturday and Burnley in town on December 22.

“When we go into the Christmas period we will be exactly half-way through our league campaign,” said Garvan, who will be 20 next month.

“That will be an ideal position to assess our situation.

“And with three matches at Portman Road between now and then the table could have a very different look as far as we are concerned by the time we play Leicester again on Boxing Day.

“We are all disappointed and frustrated at our away displays.

“We know it will change, but up to now it has not been good enough.

“But if we do well over the next 11 days we will be in a great position again.”

Gary Roberts misses out tonight after becoming the first Ipswich player to be banned this season.

In 2006/07 Ipswich suffered a list of suspensions and were in hock with the authorities over their disciplinary record.

“I think we might have been worst in the division,” said Garvan.

“But we never felt we were a nasty side, and this is being borne out this time around. It is back to normal.

“There are a lot of games coming up and the manager needs a full squad to select from.

“Christmas can be tough for a footballer, but if you want to be player you want to be in the team and you have to make some sacrifices.”

Collins John (hamstring), DJ Campbell (knee) and James Chambers (hip) all trained yesterday and will come into consideration for a place in tonight's Leicester squad.

Striker Matty Fryatt is available after a three-match suspension following his sending off at Bristol City, and is almost certain to start.

The former Walsall player said: “It was my first suspension and it was more frustrating watching games than when you are injured.”

James Wesolowski is out with hamstring injury sustained on Saturday, while Elvis Hammond is out long-term with an ankle problem.

Leicester have won just once at Portman Road in the league in 19 years, and that was a 2-0 success last season.