MATT Richards has emerged as a slight doubt ahead of Ipswich Town's Championship clash with Cardiff City, writes Derek Davis.The defender made his England Under-21 debut against Ukraine on Tuesday and picked up a recurrence of a foot injury in that game.

MATT Richards has emerged as a slight doubt ahead of Ipswich Town's Championship clash with Cardiff City, writes Derek Davis.

The defender made his England Under-21 debut against Ukraine on Tuesday and picked up a recurrence of a foot injury in that game.

The 19-year-old has slight inflammation around a gash, which he initially picked up against Gillingham on the opening day of the season.

If Richards fails to improve sufficiently to play, his place is likely to be taken by Tony Dinning, unless Jason De Vos makes it, in which case Fabian Wilnis will slot in there and Drissa Diallo will stay at right-back. The better news for the Blues is that skipper Jim Magilton has improved dramatically after missing the opening three games of the season and is almost certain to be involved.

The worry for the Irishman is that he has had no match fitness and so may have to settle for a place on the bench to start with, unless Dinning needs to drop back.

Cardiff City manager Lawrence is sweating over the fitness of Alan Lee for tomorrow's clash at Portman Road.

The striker ricked his neck while training with the Republic of Ireland ahead of their friendly against Bulgaria in Dublin.

Lee played no part in the 1-1 draw, Lawrence insisting the player return to Cardiff after picking up the injury.

Fellow striker Peter Thorne, also recovering from a neck problem that has forced him to sit out the first three Championship matches, will miss the Ipswich match.

n Dean Bowditch has been selected for England Under-19s to play the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, September 9.