IPSWICH Town keeper Andy Marshall is to go on a month's loan at fellow Division One club Millwall.Marshall, who has not played for Town this season, is looking to resurrect his career elsewhere, and The Den could be just the place.

IPSWICH Town keeper Andy Marshall is to go on a month's loan at fellow Division One club Millwall.

Marshall, who has not played for Town this season, is looking to resurrect his career elsewhere, and The Den could be just the place.

Town chairman David Sheepshanks had talks with his Millwall counterpart Theo Paphitis yesterday and, although the deal is yet to be rubber-stamped, Marshall should be on his way to south London this week.

Former Norwich City keeper Marshall, who signed for Town in the summer of 2001, had a loan spell at Wolves this season.

And it is Wolves who are leading the chase to sign Millwall's current No. 1 keeper, Tony Warner.

Marshall's temporary move to the Lions could well pave the way for Warner's departure.

"Millwall have been in contact with us, and it looks like Andy (Marshall) will be going on a month's loan," revealed Town boss Joe Royle last night.

"It's not been tied up yet, but we won't be standing in Andy's way. It's a chance for him, and his leaving on loan would help our wage bill.

"Andy hasn't had much first-team football lately, and he needs to be playing.

"It would release funds in our quest for a loan signing, although I must stress that our ability to sign a player on loan is not tied down to one of our players going.

"We have a loan budget, and I'm still chasing up a couple of enquiries.

"Andy's loan move wouldn't necessarily lead to a permanent deal. That would be a long way down the line," added Royle.

Meanwhile, midfielder Chris Bart-Williams is hoping to return to training today, following his back injury.

Bart-Williams missed the 2-1 home defeat by Sunderland in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie, and he also sat out yesterday's training session.

Royle confirmed: "Chris has had problems with his back. It can be a worrying injury, but we are hopeful that he will train tomorrow," added Royle last night.

Town are in action at Coventry City next Saturday, hoping to strengthen their push for promotion.

n Ipswich Town's kids have the chance to progress further in the FA Youth Cup when they take on Sunderland tomorrow on the main pitch at Portman Road, with a 7pm kick- off.

Ipswich, winners of the national Under-18 tournament in 1973 and 1975, have plenty of players with reserve-team experience in their squad this time and their captain will be Scott Mitchell, who was an unused substitute on the bench for the first team on Saturday, also against Sunderland, in the FA Cup.

FA Youth Cup ties have to be decided on the night with extra time and penalties if necessary.

The winners will be at home to Cirencester Town or Crewe Alexandra in the fifth round.

carl.marston@eadt.co.uk