IPSWICH Town were handed a major boost today when they learned they could have David Norris back in time to play their remaining two friendlies in Belfast.

Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town were handed a major boost today when they learned they could have David Norris back in time to play their remaining two friendlies in Belfast.

The £2m midfielder picked up a heel injury during the win at Brentford last Friday and did not travel with the Blues party to Northern Ireland and missed the 7-0 demolition of Cliftonville in Belfast last night.

But a scan has revealed the problem is not related to his original heel injury and not as bad as first feared and so Town are expecting the former Plymouth player to join them for the matches against Donegal Celtic and Glentoran.

Blues boss Jim Magilton said: “He had a heel pain. It had nothing to do with the other injury. He has been scanned and he has been to see another specialist - hopefully that will give him the green light to carry on with pre-season.

“It's more precautionary than anything. He is undergoing treatment at Ipswich and hopefully we will be able to get him over at the end of the week.”

Another who missed last night's win was Jon Walters who had a gastric virus but has been cleared to play.

Magilton: “He's got the lurgy. He has been banished to his room since we became aware of it.

“It's got nothing to do with the food. The food has been excellent.

“He will have a bit of game time on Thursday and Saturday - we will see how he is.”

Town experimented with three at the back in the second half with Richard Naylor seeing his first action since April after an injury hit season.

Magilton said: “There is a possibility that we could do that with the personnel we've got.

“We've got that flexibility. We've got people that are comfortable on the ball. We've got midfield players that all want the ball.

“It was just a matter of tinkering with it - it worked out well. We will see how it goes through pre-season but I would like one or two other options.

“We've got the people that can adapt.”