YOUNG gun Danny Haynes is poised for a welcome return to the Ipswich first team at the weekend.The 18-year-old striker was injured in the recent 2-1 win at Norwich, in which he scored the all-important clincher just two minutes from time.

By Mel Henderson

YOUNG gun Danny Haynes is poised for a welcome return to the Ipswich first team at the weekend.

The 18-year-old striker was injured in the recent 2-1 win at Norwich, in which he scored the all-important clincher just two minutes from time.

It was feared his ankle injury would keep him out of action for at least a month, but Town boss Joe Royle today revealed that the London-born teenager is ahead of schedule.

Royle said: “Danny has done some training and he has a chance of being fit for the home game against Leicester on Saturday.

“He did some running yesterday with the rehab unit and he will have a chance.

There's no doubt that young blood heals quicker and his progress is good news.

“We're not getting carried away, but the signs are encouraging.

“Danny has been able to do more than we had expected him to do, but it's still early days.”

It would be a major boost for Ipswich to have Haynes available after he burst on to the first-team scene this season, netting three times in 11 appearances, just four of them starts.

He is just one of several strikers who have been sidelined this season and Town were forced to field defender Richard Naylor up front in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Wolves.

There is also better news of crocked four-goal ace Alan Lee, who made a massive impact for Town in just six games since his £100,000 move from Cardiff.

Lee felt his hamstring go after he netted the equaliser in Town's 2-1 win at Crewe a week ago and a scan later revealed a slight tear.

Royle added: “Alan is also coming along well. He is not going to be ready for the Leicester game, but could well be ready for the following week's trip to Preston.”

Meanwhile, Town are hoping to cut through the red tape that prevented Ricardo Fuller making his debut at Wolves on Saturday.

The Jamaican international was instead forced to return to Southampton after it was discovered he would be breaking the terms of his work permit by joining another club on loan.

Ipswich have now made an official application, which Work Permits UK will consider on Thursday. If the outcome is favourable Fuller will be in line to face Leicester at Portman Road two days later.

Club officials will travel to Sheffield for a private hearing at which they will argue their case and it will be a major shock if they are turned down.

The eagle-eyed employee responsible for spotting Fuller's ineligibility may have opened a can of worms, since it is suspected other loan deals have gone ahead this season without a second work permit being sought.

Club secretary Sally Webb will join Royle in Sheffield, just as they did last year when they successfully cleared the way for Town to sign Canadian youngster Jaime Peters.

Adam Proudlock, a 48th minute substitute against former club Wolves on Saturday, will face Coventry in tonight's Premier Reserve League (South) game at Portman Road, kick-off 7pm. But experienced midfielder Jim Magilton will not figure.

League One leaders Southend are giving a trial to 18-year-old Ipswich midfielder Cathal Lordan after he was told he would not be retained beyond the end of the season. The Republic of Ireland youngster was expected to play in the Shrimpers' reserve side at Northampton.