IPSWICH Town midfielder David Norris is keeping his fingers crossed that he will play again this year.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town midfielder David Norris is keeping his fingers crossed that he will play again this year.

His recovery from the cruciate knee injury he suffered in the opening match of the season at Coventry is progressing well and Norris has been given positive news after being seen by a specialist.

But he is remaining cautious about when he might return to the first team.

“It has been hard to take having two lengthy injury lay-offs since coming to Ipswich,” said the player who cost �2million from Plymouth in January 2008.

“Previously I had been virtually injury-free. It took some while to get my head round the fact that I would have to sit our four months or so.

“I am feeling much more positive about it now, but as much as I would love to be back in action before Christmas we will have to see how the new few weeks go.”

Town manager Roy Keane knows the importance of Norris to a team that is currently bottom of the Championship table and he said: “It's been a big loss for us and a big blow for the lad himself.

“David's got great energy and was probably the fittest player at the club at the start of the season.

“I am sure he will be back soon ahead of targets as he is that sort of character.”