IPSWICH Town's push up the Cola-Cola Championship could well be hit by the absence of midfield general David Norris for Saturday's game at bottom of the table Doncaster Rovers.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town's push up the Cola-Cola Championship could well be hit by the absence of midfield general David Norris for Saturday's game at bottom of the table Doncaster Rovers.

Blues boss Jim Magilton has yet to decide whether to include the 27-year-old in his squad as Town look to extend their current league run that stands at just one defeat in 12 matches.

Norris scored the only goal in Saturday's win at Blackpool and has been a big influence hitting his best form since joining Ipswich for £2million from Plymouth last January.

But Magilton is today weighing up the pros and cons of naming an unchanged side against Doncaster after Norris' mistaken and highly-publicised goal 'celebration' at Bloomfield Road.

Confirming that Norris is by no means a certainty to retain his place an Ipswich spokesman said: “A decision has yet to be made whether David Norris will be in the squad on Saturday or not.”

Norris returned to training yesterday, and Magilton has to weigh up what impact Norris' presence will have on the game.

Although Doncaster's fans are unlikely to be as abusive or cruel as some clubs, the fact that the game is being shown live on TV could play a big part in Magilton's decision.

Norris will be in the national spotlight and any fall from his best behaviour will be highlighted and thrown back in his face.

The media attention on Norris may be dwindling, but Magilton may think it best to get the weekend out of the way before playing his key player again.

Norris has written a letter to the parents of the two boys killed in a road accident by Norris' friend and former Plymouth team mate Luke McCormick, who is serving over seven years in jail after being found to be drink driving.

Ipswich Town have spoken to the parents Phil and Amanda Peak, and a distraught Norris plans to hand his letter over personally.

It was an apparent handcuffs gesture in support of his pal that has given Norris - and Ipswich Town - such bad publicity this week.

Town have fined Norris the maximum two-weeks wages, and now he may have to sit out a vital game where a win could place the Blues into a top six position.

The Football Association has spoken to Ipswich Town and written to Norris asking for an explanation of his actions. Norris has seven days to respond.

And Professional Footballers Association chief executive Gordon Taylor admitted Norris' actions were ill conceived.

“What happened was unfortunate, but to be fair I can't imagine David Norris realised the outcry his actions would cause.

“It wasn't appropriate there is no doubt about that. But Ipswich Town have handled it all well.”

Road safety campaigners have said they hope Norris will be given a hostile reception by crowds.

The Campaign Against Drinking and Driving (Cadd) chairman Tony Dring said: “I hope the reaction of the public will be hostile whenever he plays because of what he has done to the family of these boys and the families of all victims of drink-drivers.”