THOMAS Gaardsoe today handed Ipswich a fitness boost as they prepare for the final play-off push.The Danish defender, who was absent from the 4-3 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, is confident he will return to action at Coventry on Saturday.

By Mel Henderson

THOMAS Gaardsoe today handed Ipswich a fitness boost as they prepare for the final play-off push.

The Danish defender, who was absent from the 4-3 home defeat by Nottingham Forest, is confident he will return to action at Coventry on Saturday.

Gaardsoe, 23, picked up a groin injury early in the previous week's win at Gillingham and was missed as Town's nine-game unbeaten run ended at the weekend.

But he said today: "I think I will be okay for the game at Coventry. I feel as if I will be able to return – if selected."

Gaardsoe didn't even bother to have a fitness test ahead of the Forest game because he knew what the outcome would be.

But he has improved in the last few days and added: "I have been doing some training with Simon Thadani, the fitness coach.

"I have also been continuing to have treatment and doing strengthening work on my groin, as well as a bit of swimming.

"I will train with the rest of the squad on Thursday and Friday, then hopefully be in the squad that travels to Coventry. That's the plan."

Town boss Joe Royle confirmed: "Thomas is improving and we will see how it goes when he trains properly tomorrow. But it's looking good."

Meanwhile, Gaardsoe remains defiant about Ipswich's chances of overhauling at least one of the teams above them in the First Division.

He said: "With five games still to go, and a lot of points still to be won and lost, things can still happen. We will just have to wait and see.

"It is clear we need to win at least four games to have any chance. We are capable of doing that, but we must also depend on other teams dropping points.

"We have seen teams slip up before and we must make sure we are ready to take advantage. I wouldn't be surprised if nothing was decided until the last game."