Central defender Ibrahima Sonko is over his dislocated rib and is available for selection for Saturday’s game at Brighton. The Senegalese international suffered the injury in the abandoned game against Middlesbrough and has missed the last two matches.

Boss Paul Jewell says that even with the 31-year-old returning, he’ll still be looking for reinforcements: “Sonko’s fit, he’s made a terrific recovery from his dislocated rib.

"We are looking [at loan signings] in all areas between now and the end of the season to improve the squad.

“We have been very light on centre-backs and the two left-sided centre-backs have done terrifically well, but we are short in certain areas.”

The Town manager says Sonko is in with a shout at a return to the side and that he has decided on his starting line-up: “He’s got a chance [of being involved on Saturday]. He’s trained all week, so he’s fit and, touch wood, as we sit here on Thursday afternoon, we’ve got no injuries.

“Every decision you make is big decision, whether that’s to change the team or not to change the team. No decision is every made without any thought.

"The decision [on the starting XI] has been made. If everyone’s fit, I know what the team is going to be.”

After helping to keep two clean sheets in two games, dropping either Tommy Smith or Damien Delaney would seem harsh and Sonko would appear likely to be amongst the subs.

Also back in the fold is Lee Bowyer, who is over his groin problem: “We had a practice match on Tuesday, Lee played 80 minutes of that and he’s trained.”

Photo: Action Images

AlanMahon2011 added 14:35 - Feb 23 Please god not Lee Bowyer!
0

singtown added 14:42 - Feb 23 AlanMahon 2011 : if bowyer makes a sub appearance and scores the winning solitary goal (just like away against west ham), I'll take it!
0

KentBlue92 added 14:43 - Feb 23 He should be considered for the starting line up. For a whole 2 seconds then we stick with the so far winning formula of Smith+Delaney. What a message that would send out, ok you've done well, been involved in the first four match win streak in over 5 years and for that we're going to drop you for the donkey.
0

bigfatjoe87 added 14:51 - Feb 23 full agreement kentblue92. i think he's hinting at the same 11 just trying to make out everyone is considered.
0

TractorBeezer added 14:58 - Feb 23 Keep the same team to start
0

Rossm added 14:59 - Feb 23 Jesus no... leave him out! he is a liability!
0

Scuzzer added 15:22 - Feb 23 "We are looking [at loan signings] in all areas between now and the start of the season to improve the squad." Doesnt he realise the season started last August!
0

jert16 added 15:24 - Feb 23 bad news
0

DiamondGezzer added 15:39 - Feb 23 Sounds like he's keeping the same squad, with Sonks on the bench. Also, a fully fit Lee Bowyer off the bench for when legs are tired [ hopefully not his own ] ?
0

Surco72 added 15:40 - Feb 23 Put him on the bench ,definately better back up at centre back than Ainsley ,position is for Tommy and Delaney to lose now . Would rather have Bowyer on the bench than Leadbitter ,but would take Carson above both
0

PhilTWTD added 15:58 - Feb 23 Scuzzer Think that was my error, said end of the season, not start. Phil
0

DaneITFC added 16:02 - Feb 23 Leave him on the bench if the worst did happen but theres absolutely no need to change the team, bottom line
0

irishtim added 16:07 - Feb 23 Agree with tractor brrezer. Same again please.
0

Tractorog added 16:09 - Feb 23 Forget the physical injuries, are Leadbetter and Bowyer over their motivation problems yet?
0

arc added 16:27 - Feb 23 We are getting close to the point at which there is no point in more loans (unless with a view to buy). If we can get to 50 points, why waste the money?–play our youngsters and see what they've got.
0

afrodids added 16:39 - Feb 23 how things change competition just to get on the bench.sonks,bowyer,scotland,leadbo**ox,Jimmy and carson. Quality love it. Up the town.
0

Vizslaraner added 16:48 - Feb 23 arc - agree with you. If we could get a centre half or right back on loan and agree a fee then go for it. If not, let the kids and the team who have been playing well lately continue with the same motivation they have been displaying. Just hope PJ drops Leadpants from the bench for good cos I for one do not want to see that un-motivated crab who clearly doesn't want to play for our club ever pull a Blue Shirt on again!

0

Garv added 16:57 - Feb 23 Bench please. You can't change the defence after 2 wins and two clean sheets. Bench: Wright Sonko Bullard Leadbitter Scotland
0

chepstowblue added 17:31 - Feb 23 No need for changes to the starting 11.Sonko on the bench for Ainsley is all thats required.
0

village_blue added 17:33 - Feb 23 Agree with Garv with having Wright as sub keeper but would rather see Carson on the bench instead of Leadboots.
0

ITFC4daprem added 18:37 - Feb 23 Same 11 Subs Stevenson Sonko Bullard Carson Scotland
0

Karlosfandangal added 20:43 - Feb 23 See Portsmouth have loaned out their striker to reduce the wage bill and may not have enough money to last the season. Wonder is Pearce and Henderson could be coming in on loan
0

Mungo added 21:41 - Feb 23 That was quick! Thought he would be out for ages! Think TS & DD have done well in the last couple of games so IS will have to wait his chance... Some people have short memories on here. IS may not be the best defender we've ever had, but earlier this season he put in some very good performances and without him we would probably be a few places closer to the bottom...
0

carsey added 23:11 - Feb 23 Leave the starting 11 alone and change Leadbetter for Carson Wright for that useless loan keeper whatever his name is. If it aint broke don't fix it.
0

ericgates added 06:16 - Feb 24 Tommy Smith should keep his place,but I can't make up my mind between Sonko and Delaney. Both are equally as nerve jangling,but you can't argue with 2 clean sheets in a row. What is it with Town that in recent years, we must have a least one clumsy lumbering oaf at centre half!!!!
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls