TOMMY Miller today insisted that Ipswich Town are better than some of the sides above them in the Coca-Cola Championship table.

Elvin King

TOMMY Miller today insisted that Ipswich Town are better than some of the sides above them in the Coca-Cola Championship table.

The Blues go into tomorrow's game against Watford at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm) stuck in tenth place having not moved for a number of games.

They are seven points off the play-offs and need to win at least six of their remaining seven games to have a realistic chance of ending the campaign in the top six.

Miller, who could be joined in midfield by Alan Quinn again tomorrow with magical Mexican Giovani Dos Santos moving to the right of midfield, said: “It's frustrating when you look at some of the sides above us because you think we're a better team than them.

“But the table doesn't lie and we are where we are because we haven't been consistent enough, especially at Portman Road.

“Last season we were untouchable at home, but this time it just hasn't happened. We've looked edgy and struggled if we haven't scored the first goal.”

David Norris could move to the left of midfield to take the place of the injured Luciano Civelli with Pim Balkestein pushing for a return to the back line and Pablo Counago for a start in attack.

Town have no new injury worries other than Civelli, and assistant manager John Gorman says that

Jon Walters could play again this season.

And he doesn't see Veliche Shumlikoski going anywhere this term.

“It is good news that Jon doesn't need an operation on his ankle ligament damage,” said Gorman. “And knowing Jon he could be back this season.

“He is very positive about it all and does recover quickly. Moritz Volz is already jogging after his groin operation and should be back by Easter.”

Preston showed interest in taking Shumuikoski on loan, but this was turned down as the Lancashire club are rivals to take a play-off spot.

Gorman said: “Preston are the only club to show very much interest, and Shumi is training well.

“He's a good lad and wants to safeguard his international place. You want players to be unhappy when they are not in the side and Shumi gets on well with manager Jim Magilton.

“The player said a few things last week, but he did not mean any harm - he just wants to play football.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Gorman added: “It was a cracking game against Burnley on Tuesday and Watford should be the same.

“We will keep creating chances and looking for the same support as we had from our fans against Burnley.”

Shane Supple has been joined on loan at Oldham by his former Town team mate Ian Westlake, the latter linking up with Oldham manager Joe Royle from Cheltenham.

“I'm glad Joe Royle hadn't forgotten about me,” said Supple. “And I want to repay him by doing the business at Oldham.

“Joe was on the phone to Jim Magilton on Sunday night after taking the job in the afternoon and I'm delighted to be able to join him again.

“Richard Wright has been in fantastic form and as number two I wasn't getting a look in.”