ALAN Mahon is relying on good old fashioned hard work and the healing powers of the Ipswich Town physios rather than any old wives' tales to be fit for next weekend's clash with Sheffield United, writes Derek Davis.

ALAN Mahon is relying on good old fashioned hard work and the healing powers of the Ipswich Town physios rather than any old wives' tales to be fit for next weekend's clash with Sheffield United, writes Derek Davis.

The Irishman, who joined on loan from Blackburn Rovers, has returned to light training and will slot back into the first-team squad on Monday as they prepare to put The Blades to the sword.

He has been pencilled in to face Portsmouth Reserves at Portman Road on Tuesday night after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Mahon paid tribute to the Blues' backroom staff and laughed off reports he had resorted to brown paper and vinegar.

He said: "That stuff stinks, it may be what by Granny swears by but this has been about the work from Dave Williams and his staff.

"I have been back up to Blackburn and they have given me some very thorough scans and it is all clear.

"There is no sign of any tear or scar tissue or build-up of blood at all so they are delighted.

"I have joined in again and it has been really good. It has been hard but I have done a couple of good sessions with our fitness trainer Simon Thadani which were tough, as usual, but effective.

"I'm hoping to play in the reserves and see how that goes."

Blues boss Joe Royle will run the rule over the former Tranmere Rovers and Sporting Lisbon winger, who has delighted Town supporters since his arrival in September.

Rovers suspended the loan period while he was injured but it will be reactivated next week.

The extra three weeks will mean Mahon will now be available to play against Norwich City, West Ham and Crystal Palace over the festive period.

A decision will be taken in January as to whether Ipswich can keep him permanently.

Meanwhile, Alun Armstrong is attracting interest from a couple more Division One clubs.

Reading boss Steve Coppell was among the managers and scouts watching as Town demolished Fulham Reserves 6-1 with Armstrong adding to the three goals he scored in the previous week.

Coppell, who has taken former Colchester United striker Dean Morgan on trial at the Madejski Stadium, is looking for a big target man and may see Armstrong as the answer.

Millwall assistant manager Ray Wilkins was also at Woking but he had originally gone to watch a Fulham player.

Lions' sources believe Armstrong made an impression but as of last night neither club had contacted Royle about his availability.

The Blues squad have been given a long weekend off to rest and recuperate after training from Monday to Thursday but will return on Monday lunchtime.