DRISSA Diallo has been plotting the downfall of First Division new boys Wigan.The central defender from Guinea has run up a big telephone bill calling former team-mates at Burnley, the club from where Town boss Joe Royle signed him in the close season.

By Dave Allard

DRISSA Diallo has been plotting the downfall of First Division new boys Wigan.

The central defender from Guinea has run up a big telephone bill calling former team-mates at Burnley, the club from where Town boss Joe Royle signed him in the close season.

Burnley lost 2-0 at home to Wigan on Saturday and tomorrow night Ipswich take on Paul Jewell's Second Division champions at the JJB stadium.

"I've been spending quite a bit of time talking to my old Burnley friends," said Diallo, who has made a highly impressive start to his Town career.

He continued: "I've been speaking to many of the Burnley lads over the weekend about the game on Saturday at Turf Moor, getting as much information about Wigan players and their play in general."

Diallo is a certain starter tomorrow night, but other players may be in for an anxious time ahead of the Blues' first ever league visit to Wigan.

For boss Royle is threatening to make changes after Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Coventry at Portman Road.

The only casualty from the match was central defender Georges Santos, who had two stitches inserted in a head wound.

However, the big Frenchman will be available for action tomorrow evening.

Diallo continued: "Wigan had a great result at Burnley and we know we are in for a very tough game. We did not play well against Coventry – we've got to improve and fast."

Next Saturday Town have a hugely attractive home match with a West Ham club that yesterday parted company with manager Glenn Roeder following Saturday's defeat at Rotherham.

Town reserves have a home friendly on Wednesday afternoon when they take on Cambridge United at the Playford Road training ground.