IT is rest and regeneration week for most of the Ipswich Town players this week as they prepare for the final assault to snatch a play-off place.Those fit enough to take part in training today will enjoy a relatively easy session as Blues boss Joe Royle and his coaching staff look to preserve energy for the big push.

IT is rest and regeneration week for most of the Ipswich Town players this week as they prepare for the final assault to snatch a play-off place.

Those fit enough to take part in training today will enjoy a relatively easy session as Blues boss Joe Royle and his coaching staff look to preserve energy for the big push.

Skipper Matt Holland has been given an extra couple of days' break after his strength-sapping sojourn into Eastern Europe with the Republic of Ireland last week.

Midfielder Jim Magilton is nursing a stiff groin, while Thomas Gaardsoe has the same problem, which forced him to miss the weekend defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, and both will be tested on Thursday.

Midfielder Tommy Miller, who took his goal tally to 10 for the season with a brace against Forest, has recovered well from a knee tendinitis problem but will welcome a less strenuous than usual approach, while a number of other players will also protect minor knocks and strains.

Royle last night said: "They are physically right at this stage of the season so really it is all about mental strength. Some people will benefit from a little break, while others will tick over nicely."

Alun Armstrong will be one of the few senior players on show tomorrow when the reserves entertain Watford at Portman Road. Armstrong was on the bench at the weekend after recovering from a fractured wrist but will use the full 90 minutes to gain extra match fitness.

Youngster Dean Bowditch who played an important part in the Blues' Under-17s win over Manchester United is in the manager's mind for a recall on Saturday when Town visit Coventry City.

Royle said: "I sent Dean home from training on the Friday just before the Gillingham game because he looked so tired. We have to be careful with the young players but he looked rested and sharp on Saturday in the under-17s game and he may well be back this week for us."

Cash-strapped Coventry City have dropped keeper Morten Hyldgaard so they don't have to pay a further £100,000 to Ikast, the Danish club he signed from.

Hyldgaard is four games short of the 35 which would trigger the added payment, on top of the £100,000 they have already paid, and City gave Gary Montgomery, from nearby Leamington Spa, his chance to shine in their draw with Preston at the weekend.