DAVID Nugent is still struggling for fitness and unlikely to join Ipswich Town until next week.Manager Jim Magilton today said he remains confident that England international striker will join Town for the rest of the season.

Elvin King

DAVID Nugent is still struggling for fitness and unlikely to join Ipswich Town until next week.

Manager Jim Magilton today said he remains confident that England international striker will join Town for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old Portsmouth striker will not feature in tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship game against lowly Southampton at St Mary's Stadium (kick off 3pm), but there is a chance he will be on Town's books sometime next week.

Magilton said today: “We understand from Portsmouth that the player does not want to come until he is 100 per cent fit and can give his best in matches.

“He has not played for a while and we are happy that the Pompey fitness people are monitoring the situation and when the green light is given I am hopeful that he will come here.

“This is all fair enough, but I don't expect David to be involved against Southampton.”

Magilton confirmed that he is likely to name the same 18-strong squad or the trip to the South Coast with midfielder Alan Quin being assessed this morning before the coach left for Hampshire.

Magilton added: “Alan's ankle has improved and we will see how he is, but we will take Tuesday's home match with Sheffield United in mind and this will have an effect on whether Alan considered for tomorrow's match.

“We have wrapped Richard Naylor up in cotton wool this week because he has felt a few twinges in his neck but he should be ok and David Norris' heal will not stop him playing although it has given him some discomfort.”

Magilton will be returning to his old club and although they have struggled to gain results in recent weeks and were roundly booed in their last home match against Plymouth the Blues' boss is expecting a tough encounter.

He said: “If Southampton do not start positively the crowd can get onto their backs.

“We must go there and present ourselves as a win would be ideal and as we start the game on the shoulder of the play-off pack.

“Southampton might be a bit low in confidence but they have some good players and will be desperate to win.

“Their new manager Nigel Pearson has come through a good managerial education and I am sure he will do a good job at a fantastic club that should always be looking for a place in the Premier League.

“St Mary's might not have the same atmosphere as The Dell where I played my football for the club but if the fans do get behind the Saints then we will have to step up a gear to get the three points that we want.”