Jim will be back soon

JIM Magilton has been given the all-clear to resume full training after a scan last night showed a tear in a thigh has healed.

The Blues skipper is delighted that he will be able to get stuck back in and is champing at the bit to lead the team out on Saturday against Cardiff.

He said: " I can't wait. It has been very frustrating to say the least."

Magilton has travelled separately to watch both of Town's away games and so knows exactly how they have been playing.

The Irishman was an ever-present in the league last season and his influence has been clearly missed in the opening three games of the season.

Magilton said: "It is early days yet. We have a home game on Saturday and if we can get something against Cardiff, and get on a run, everything will look a little different."

Blues boss Joe Royle does not want to risk his captain in tonight's reserve game against Crystal Palace but will let Magilton have the last word.

He said: "We will give him a clear week to Saturday and see how he is then, but then that would be down to Jim.

"It is important to have him back but it would be wrong to push him in too early."

Magilton has been training hard, although he has not been able to do much ball-work and is obviously behind when it comes to match fitness.

He said: "The reserves may be a little early but we will see. I will join in full first-team training on Thursday and Friday and hope to be there or thereabouts for Saturday's game."

The reserves start their Premier Reserve League campaign tonight against newcomers Crystal Palace with a mix of Academy and senior players.

Fabian Wilnis, Shekfi Kuqi and Pablo Counago are expected to line up alongside Scott Barron, Scott Mitchell and, with Lewis Price away with Wales Under-21s, Shane Supple will be in goal.