BLUES boss Jim Magilton has introduced a revolutionary new approach to training at Portman Road.Instead of the traditional morning sessions Town players will now train in the afternoons with everything geared to the 3pm kick-off.

By Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has introduced a revolutionary new approach to training at Portman Road.

Instead of the traditional morning sessions Town players will now train in the afternoons with everything geared to the 3pm kick-off.

The first-team squad will meet for a light lunch together at the Playford Road training ground and go through a similar warm-up routine as they do on match days before the practice session.

It is in stark contract to the conventional way of meeting in the morning before training from 10am and then having the afternoon free.

Magilton said: “We are looking to adjust the players' body clock during the week so they do the same then as they do for a Saturday afternoon.

“It is something I have thought about for a while and the international break was an ideal time to bring it in.

“We have seven games to go with most of them 3pm kick-offs so it made sense to have a look at it now and see how it goes.”

Injured players will still meet in the mornings for physiotherapy or swimming sessions or light training before joining back up with the main squad.

Gary Roberts has been the latest casualty to miss training after picking up a groin strain in training on Monday.

He will join in training this afternoon and be assessed again but is a slight doubt ahead of Saturday's home match with Plymouth Argyle.

Skipper Jason de Vos is also an injury concern after getting a kick on the foot during the Luton win that was fractured in January.

The Canadian is a concern but Ian Miller could make his Blues debut after his return from loan at Darlington and will serve as cover at centre-half with Fabian Wilnis expected to play at right-back.

Although David Wright has been away on compassionate leave after a family bereavement he is expected to return at left-back with Dan Harding suspended.

Defender Chris Casement joins Millwall today on loan after his arrival at the Den was delayed following a minor knee injury picked up while on Northern Ireland under-21 duty.

The chances of Francis Jeffers playing for Town again this season look good after he impressed staff with his fitness as he recovers from a hamstring tear.

Magilton said: “Franny has made great strides and could be in full training next week.

“He will have scan on Friday and if he gets an all-clear from that we will look to extend his loan period until the end of the season and he will stay - unless Mark Hughes wants him back.”

A scan has shown that Sylvain Legwinski has a fractured first metatarsal but medical staff predict the Frenchman will be ready to join in pre-season training in July.

It is the same for Richard Naylor who has struggled with a bruised bone and he is working towards a six-week timeframe for a return to full training.