JAMES Scowcroft has tipped Ipswich Town to go on and win the play-offs, writes Derek Davis.The Leicester City forward, whose loan spell at Portman Road has not been extended for the play-offs, is convinced the Blues are still the best team left chasing promotion and is confident they will triumph in Cardiff.

JAMES Scowcroft has tipped Ipswich Town to go on and win the play-offs, writes Derek Davis.

The Leicester City forward, whose loan spell at Portman Road has not been extended for the play-offs, is convinced the Blues are still the best team left chasing promotion and is confident they will triumph in Cardiff.

Scowcroft met Town manager Joe Royle after the draw at Brighton meant Town missed out on automatic promotion, and was told he would not be needed for the knockout stages.

The 29-year-old, who was welcomed back in March on a loan basis from Leicester, admitted the news did not come as a shock to him, especially with Dean Bowditch also available after returning from his loan spell at Burnley.

Shefki Kuqi's quicker than expected recovery meant Scowcroft only started three games, and things did not work out as well as he expected.

He said: "The loan could have been extended for another week but I spoke with the manager and he decided not to do so. I was not really surprised. I would have liked to have stayed, but he has plenty of numbers now."

The popular forward has not ruled out the possibility of a third stint with Town although, with his contract not being renewed by the Foxes, he has already been targeted by other clubs.

He said: "Joe knows where I am if he wants me for next season. We will see what happens.

"I know there is no future for me at Leicester, I have spoken to (City manager) Craig Levein and he has explained where they are going and there are no issues there.

"There are several options for me but there is still a lot of football to be played. There are a lot of issues to still be resolved for clubs relating to promotion and relegation."

Norwich City were keen to sign Scowcroft last summer, while his former Town boss George Burley, now in charge of Derby County, is understood to be among those monitoring the situation.

While Scowcroft will be starting his holiday a little early, he will be backing the Blues all the way to the Premiership.

He said: "I have spoken to some of the lads already and while I'm disappointed not to be with them I know they are more than capable of winning the play-offs.

"It is true that all four clubs start equal but Ipswich are by far the best of the four. If they can play to their potential, and get the luck that all teams need, then they will go up.

"I know people talk about what happened with West Ham last year but Town are better for that experience and the home game coming second is a big help to them.

"Everyone connected with the club knows all about the play-offs and what to expect.

"Once in the final then it is a one-off cup game at Cardiff where anything can happen but Ipswich are good enough to go there and win."

West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham will miss Saturday's play-off clash with Ipswich due to a hamstring tear. The 22-goal talisman is also rated doubtful for next Wednesday's second leg.