JOE Royle has picked out former Blues favourite David Johnson as the Nottingham Forest danger man ahead of Saturday's crucial play-off at Portman Road, writes Derek Davis.

JOE Royle has picked out former Blues favourite David Johnson as the Nottingham Forest danger man ahead of Saturday's crucial play-off at Portman Road, writes Derek Davis.

Johnson is the league's leading scorer with 22 goals and despite being hampered with a hamstring injury recently, is back to full fitness and top form.

Royle said: "Johnno has done great for Forest. I remember seeing him when he was a kid at Manchester United, then I saw him when he was knocking goals in for Bury and his career really took off when he came here to Ipswich.

"He has had his injury problems but unfortunately for us he is back to his best. He will need watching. He inflicted a lot of pain on Manchester City when I was there.

"I know Darren Huckerby very well too. I signed him for City and he is dangerous."

Johnson was on target for Forest at the City Ground as Town slipped to a 2-1 defeat, one of only two losses in the past 20 league games for Ipswich.

Royle said: "Forest are a good side and they have been particularly strong at home although we felt aggrieved to have lost there earlier in the season when perhaps a draw would have been fairer.

"They have got up there without spending big money and Paul Hart has done a great job, first of all stabilising a sinking ship and then putting them in the right direction again.

"I'm not surprised he is being mentioned for bigger jobs. He knows the club inside out and has gone through the ranks and is very well respected in the league."

Darren Bent and Thomas Gaardsoe remain Town's biggest doubts with hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

Alun Armstrong returned to complete 80 minutes for the reserves on Monday after recovering from a fractured wrist, and could return to the squad with Dean Bowditch also hoping to get another go.