IPSWICH Town's international star Jim Magilton was today dealing with family heartbreak as his team-mates prepare for Sunday's crucial game at Arsenal.

By Dave Allard

IPSWICH Town's international star Jim Magilton was today dealing with family heartbreak as his team-mates prepare for Sunday's crucial game at Arsenal.

The 32-year-old Northern Ireland international skipper and his wife Collette were keeping a constant vigil at their Ipswich home on seriously ill son Adam.

The Blues star was rushed back from Northern Ireland international duty in mid-week to be with his wife and six-year-old Adam after he was suddenly taken ill.

He has been in and out of Ipswich Hospital where tests have been carried out. The details of his illness have not been disclosed.

Today Adam was back at home after being released last night.

The former Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday player did not train today and both he and his wife were with Adam. The couple also have a baby son, Ryan.

The Ipswich midfielder said today: "Suffice to say we are very concerned. It was a great shock to hear what had happened when away in Ireland in mid-week. At the moment I'm concentrating on the situation at home."

His wife's parents have come down from Liverpool to be with their daughter.

The Ipswich Town favourite will go down in Town folklore. His magnificent hat-trick in the First Division play-off semi-final with Bolton at Portman Road two years ago sent Town to Wembley where they beat Barnsley.

On Sunday his Blues fight for their Premiership survival at Arsenal without him.

Town manager George Burley said: "We have several players injured and to not have Jim in the squad for Arsenal is a big blow. But this is a very emotional time for him and his family and we all respect that.

"The boy has been in an out of hospital and Jim needs to be with his family right now. It's a very personal matter and at the moment I don't want to go into any more details.

"Suffice to say that our thoughts go out to Jim and his family at this difficult time."