IMPATIENT Gavin Williams has gone through an astonishing five plaster casts inside a month as he battles to recover from ankle ligament damage.The Blues midfielder, who missed a large chunk of last season with a groin problem that was rectified after two operations and months of rehabilitation, is champing at the bit to get back playing again, and is driving medical staff mad.

IMPATIENT Gavin Williams has gone through an astonishing five plaster casts inside a month as he battles to recover from ankle ligament damage.

The Blues midfielder, who missed a large chunk of last season with a groin problem that was rectified after two operations and months of rehabilitation, is champing at the bit to get back playing again, and is driving medical staff mad.

Ipswich Town boss Jim Magilton understands his frustration and while he hopes he can soon have the Welsh midfielder back playing will not give definitive time fame for his return in order not to put pressure on the player and rush his recovery.

Magilton said: “Gavin is a real Jack In The Box and can't stand not being able to play. He is on his sixth cast in as many weeks because he can't sit still.

“We will have another look at his ankle now and see what happens from there.”

His other long-term casualty Richard Naylor is making fine progress and is back jogging but again will not be rushed into coming back too soon.

More immediate concerns are losing keeper Neil Alexander on Saturday, as his wife Joanne is getting ever close to giving birth to their second child.

Magilton said: “We didn't play Shane Supple in the reserves on Monday just in case and if Neil has to go to his wife then Shane will play.”

With Alan Lee ruled a doubt for Saturday's trip to West Brom fit again Dean Bowditch has a chance to be included in Jim Magilton's squad of 18.

Bowditch banged in hat-trick in Town 5-4 reserve match victory over Southend on Monday and with Lee aggravating a hamstring strain during training on Tuesday, the 21 striker is under consideration for a recall.

Bowditch has not played a first team game for Town since a substitute appearance in the 5-0 home win over Luton Town last October but has looked sharp since coming back from a summer operation to cure a groin injury.

Magilton said: “Dean has been very lively in training and scored a hat-trick for the reserves so we are delighted for him.

“I'm contemplating bringing him back on Saturday because we are delighted with the way he had come back.”

Bowditch is among a raft of fringe players that Magilton has said he would like to see go out on loan but no concrete offers have been made to take any as yet.

Magilton said: “People are telling me they are going to do this and that but they have not made a concrete proposal.”

Dipping into the loan market for a defender, or wide man, is still a consideration for Magilton although he is not desperate to strengthen a back four he is keen to keep faith with.

He added; “We will take stock after Saturday and we are aware that we may need long term cover at the back and we have line done or two up if the needed arises.

“All goals avoidable but they were two sloppy goals so I'm sure the team will be looking to make amends on Saturday.”

Town players and staff, along with a host of sponsors and friends of the club, yesterday took part in their annual golf day at the formidable Stoke-by-Nayland golf course, which recently hosted the PGA Seniors Championship.