Royle Hopeful of McGreal Return

The Town number 4 has been dogged by injury for much of his last 12 months at the club, and has not figured in the blues first team since February 2003 due to a long string of injuries mainly consisting of problems with his knee and back.

However McGreal played the full 90 minutes of last night's 5-1 win against Nottingham Forest reserves at Portman Road, and is said to be closing in on match fitness after playing in a the reserves last few games to build up his fitness.

Speaking to the Official Club website, Town manager Joe Royle confirmed to the fans: "John is improving every day and we will take another look at him in training but hopefully he will travel with the squad to Derby. He played well for the Reserves against Forest and will come into contention for Saturday."

With Richard Naylor suspended for Saturday's first team game against Derby and fellow defenders Drissa Diallo, Chris Makin, Aidian Collins and Gerard Nash out through injury, Royle will be keeping his fingers crossed that McGreal makes it otherwise Fabian Winis may have to be moved across to centre back.

Click here for a profile of John McGreal's Ipswich Town career to date.