TOMMY Miller is the latest Ipswich Town player to fall foul of the dreaded flu, writes Derek Davis.The Blues midfielder missed training yesterday with the bug, which has already laid low John McGreal.

TOMMY Miller is the latest Ipswich Town player to fall foul of the dreaded flu, writes Derek Davis.

The Blues midfielder missed training yesterday with the bug, which has already laid low John McGreal.

Blues boss Joe Royle is hoping both will recover in time for the FA Cup tie with Derby County on Saturday but is looking to rest some players anyway.

Royle, the last English manager to win the FA Cup when he led Everton to victory in 1995, said: "It is not a case of taking liberties or a lack of respect for the FA Cup or anything like that but I will give one or two lads a break.

"It won't be a case of playing people you have not heard of or anything like that but there are some players who need a bit more of a game."

Miller would have relished a start in central midfield and with Jermaine Wright struggling with an ankle injury following Sunday's defeat by Palace, he may get his chance. Wright is expected to return to training tomorrow after treatment to take the swelling down.

Martijn Reuser may well get the nod in midfield and would be making his 100th appearance for Ipswich should he play.

Dean Bowditch has been patiently waiting his chance and would dearly love to add to his one goal so far in his fledgling Town career, the winner against Kidderminster Harriers in the Carling Cup way back in August.

Meanwhile, Derby boss George Burley is hoping to give Spanish signing Manuel Martinez Ferandez, known as Manel, his debut on Saturday.

The 30-year-old has been training with County since his contract with Espanyol was terminated and the club are today waiting to hear if international clearance has been given. On loan striker Lee Bradbury has a thigh strain and is unlikely to figure while Finnish international midfielder Simo Valakari is struggling to shake off a thigh injury.