JIM Magilton was today given a massive boost to his preparations for Sunday's must-win Coca-Cola Championship game against Hull City at Portman Road (kick-off 2pm).

Elvin King

JIM Magilton was today given a massive boost to his preparations for Sunday's must-win Coca-Cola Championship game against Hull City at Portman Road (kick-off 2pm).

His skipper Jason De Vos predicted that 'Magic' will take Ipswich Town into the Premier League.

“I have no doubt about that at all. Perhaps not this season, but it will happen,” insisted De Vos.

The 34-year-old Canadian defender will have a key role to play on Sunday when Town will be battling for a win that could see them move up from their current eighth place into a top six play-off position.

Whether this happens or not, De Vos believes the Tractor Boys have the right man in charge.

“I don't think, I know, that Jim Magilton will lead Ipswich Town to promotion to the Premier League,” said De Vos, who could be playing his last match against Hull as he is to consider whether to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.

“He loves the club and is the perfect man for the job.

“He is so passionate and so driven that every defeat hurts him greatly. I don't think he has much sleep some nights.

“Jim will manage Ipswich in the Premier League, perhaps this year, perhaps next, perhaps the year after. But it will happen.

“He has what it takes to go on and become a very successful manager and enjoy a long career.”

De Vos has played under a number of club managers in England, Scotland and Canada and has been impressed by Magilton since his former team-mate took over the Portman Road hot seat from Joe Royle in the summer of 2006.

Magilton was yesterday handed a two-match suspended touchline ban by an FA disciplinary committee after being 'sent off' at Stoke in a dispute with referee Mike Jones over the multi-ball system.

Club secretary Sally Webb said: “The ban means it will come into place if Jim faces another charge next season. If he goes through the year with no disciplinary action, then the ban will be wiped off in May 2009.

“Jim doesn't like the multi-ball system in general. We will be asking clubs at the Football League annual meeting to vote on scrapping the system.”

De Vos confirmed that he hopes Sunday will not be his last game, explaining: “I will decide my future after Ipswich have kicked their last ball this season.

“It will be a case of sitting down with my family and deciding my next move.”

De Vos has already been involved in football media work in Canada and has offers to work full-time.