GARETH McAuley is in danger of missing Ipswich Town's game with Swansea on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury playing for Northern Ireland.

Derek Davis

GARETH McAuley is in danger of missing Ipswich Town's game with Swansea on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury playing for Northern Ireland.

McAuley was replaced on the hour mark by Nigel Worthington as his side beat San Marino 4-0 and the Blues defender will be assessed today to ascertain the full extent of the injury.

Town manager Jim Magilton will be sweating on his skipper as he has a number of defenders doubtful but Iván Campo could partner Richard Naylor at centre half against the Swans if needed.

Alex Bruce picked up an abductor strain playing for the Republic of Ireland last week although Irish medical staff felt he was fit enough to stay with them although he did not figure in the 1-0 win over Cyprus in Dublin last night.

Pim Balkestein played 45 minutes in the Town reserves 2-0 win over Southend on Tuesday but came off as a precaution after feeling the injury.

Moritz Volz has recently returned from a hamstring problem and David Wright was troubled by an ankle problem earlier in the campaign.

Ben Thatcher is out long term with a thigh muscle tear, and Tommy Smith will be out even longer after a fractured ankle.