IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton is keeping his fingers crossed central defender Richard Naylor makes a full recovery from injury.The 30-year-old suffered a toe injury against Swansea in the FA Cup on January 27.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton is keeping his fingers crossed central defender Richard Naylor makes a full recovery from injury.

The 30-year-old suffered a toe injury against Swansea in the FA Cup on January 27.

Naylor was patched-up to play at Crystal Palace two games later, but has not played since.

“Richard is now running, but his toe is still sore,” said Magilton. “We are hoping he will make a full recovery.”

However, it looks doutbful Naylor will join in with full pre-season training starting at the Town training ground tomorrow.

Gavin Williams is also still under the watch of the club's medical staff after receiving treatment in Denmark for a long-standing pelvic problem. Magilton is hoping to have the Welsh international midfielder fully fit in time for the start of the 2007/08 campaign on August 11.

“Gavin missed around two-thirds of our training sessions last season, which made it hard for him,” added the Town boss.

“He did very well and if 100 per cent fit he can play an even bigger role.”

Skipper Jason De Vos and midfielder Sylvain Legwinski should both be able to start pre-season training after working hard along with Naylor and Williams during the close season.

De Vos underwent a foot operation in April and Legwinski suffered a heavy blow to his foot at Luton on March 17.

Magilton is pleased Canadian international Jaime Peters has been granted a work permit, so that he can now sign the three-year deal offered to him at the end of last season.

“Jaime was perhaps unsure about the direction he wanted to take, being a bit laid-back in his approach,” said Magilton.

“I have to admit there were some doubts and there were some ups and downs.

“However, after Christmas he threw off his shackles and showed what a threat he can be.

“Like the rest of the squad he will be looking to carry on the good work from the end of 2006/07 into 2007/08.”