BLUES boss Jim Magilton has invoked the 24-hour recall rule to bring back Ian Miller from his loan spell at Boston United as cover for the injured Jason De Vos.

By Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has invoked the 24-hour recall rule to bring back Ian Miller from his loan spell at Boston United as cover for the injured Jason De Vos.

The Blues skipper cracked a bone in a foot after an accidental collision in training yesterday morning and has been ruled out for up to six weeks.

Miller, who signed from non-league Bury Town in November for a nominal fee, has been a regular in the Pilgrims back four and will relish the opportunity of being named in his first town squad this weekend.

The Canadian, though, is known to be a quick healer and hopes to be back in less than six weeks. He once played with a fractured fibula but the damaged fifth metatarsal he has injured this time will need rest.

His absence means Fabian Wilnis could edge closer to his 300th game for Ipswich Town tonight when he is recalled for the FA Cup repay against Chester.

With Jason De Vos injured the Dutch defender is set for his first game since the 2-0 home defeat by Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of November.

Wilnis is on 298 appearances for the Blues and is expected to be involved in the trio of home games coming up with Sito Castro and

Scott Barron also named in the initial 18-man squad.

Manager Jim Magilton has underlined the importance of winning all three matches, starting with a confidence-boosting victory over Chester.

He said: “This is an important period starting with Chester. That gives us confidence to go into Saturday's game against Colchester and then again against Swans at home in the cup the week after.

“The prize is another home game and a good cup run can spur you on the league. It gives you impetus

“Chester will come here and enjoy the surroundings and the atmosphere and give it a go.

“We need people as individuals and collectively to take charge and take the risk to win.

“I would like to see more goals shared around and more from set-plays.”

Magilton has also hinted that Danny Haynes' recent performances could see him get the nod ahead of Billy Clarke to partner Alan Lee tonight.

He said: “When Danny came on he caused them problems with his pace and he is maturing very well. He is getting into the right places for chances and he is improving - all he needs is a goal now.

“It could be a case of giving him a little run out and see how he does.”

Magilton is looking for a better performance against the League Two side that held them to a goalless draw ten days ago.

He said: “We were tired, we gave a sloppy performance possibly because Christmas' busy schedule had caught up with us. Also Chester played very well so you can't take anything away from them.

“This time though I expect us to take the game to them.”

Town will be without three of the team that lost at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Owen Garvan is out after cutting a foot in that game.

Darren Currie has flu and will miss the game.

That could be fortuitous if a move to Coventry comes off and the Sky Blues beat Bristol City in their third round replay.

New signing David Wright is not eligible but will be available for the tie against Swansea if Ipswich progress.