BLUES boss Joe Royle is ready to dip back into the loan market to bolster his promotion-chasing squad.

BLUES boss Joe Royle is ready to dip back into the loan market to bolster his promotion-chasing squad, writes Derek Davis.

Royle will use existing squad members to freshen up his side's approach when they visit West Ham today after two games without a goal.

But with Alan Mahon recalled to Blackburn Rovers earlier this week, the Town boss admits he is considering bringing in someone new to give his side a lift.

He said: “There is already a possibility and we have discussed a number of people and enquiries have been made.”

There is still hope Mahon will return to Portman Road but that is unlikely to happen until after the January transfer window closes.

Even then it could only happen if Ipswich's share issue is a success and Graeme Souness has brought in reinforcements of his won to Ewood Park.

Royle admitted: “Alan coming back depends on so many things but we would like him back.”

Mahon would have started today's game but instead Ipswich considered a number of options.

Royle was keeping his cards tight to his chest following training on Christmas Day morning but told me: “It is not much a reflection on anyone but we have looked a little stale of late and we have the personnel to change things so we will.”

The most likely option is to include Martijn Reuser who is a little short of match fitness, although has impressed in training and in recent reserve-team matches.

Another option is to match the Hammers' in going for three up front with the young and exciting Dean Bowditch fresh and ready to explode in this division.

Town slipped at home to West Ham during their unfortunate poor run of six games without a win at the start of the season but are a different proposition now.

Royle said: “We feel slightly aggrieved to have lost the game against them here but we have a chance to make that up now.

“Everyone expected West Ham to be clear by now but they have found it hard to adjust to Division one.

“But if you look at their team they have a wealth of talent, mainly forward talent so we will have to defend properly.”

While Alan Pardew has a formidable strike force, Town's is not one to be ignored either as Royle points out. he said: “Don't forget despite not scoring in the last two games we are still the division's top scorers and we are proud of that.”

Drissa Diallo will train with the first-team squad next week after recovering from a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Chris Makin's operation on Monday was deemed a success after surgeons freed a trapped nerve but it could still be six weeks before the former Oldham, Marseilles and Sunderland defender is back to match action.

Royle said: “It was good insomuch as the surgeon identified the problem and was able to correct things, but we will still be without Chris for a while as he takes things steady.”

Drissa Diallo will train with the first-team squad next week after recovering from a knee injury.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk