IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton could bring Gavin Williams back into the fold tomorrow.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton could bring Gavin Williams back into the fold tomorrow.

The Blues boss was impressed with the attitude shown by the midfielder in Monday's reserve fixture.

And it may just be enough for the former Welsh international to be considered for a return to the starting line-up against Scunthorpe in the Coca-Cola Championship (kick-off 3pm).

Williams, 27, made his last start on January 5 in the FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth at Portman Road.

He had appeared in the previous 12 matches having been unavailable prior to the 1-0 defeat at Cardiff on November 24 because of an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.

Magilton welcomed Williams back to fitness, but since the Pompey defeat has not shown any interest in naming Williams in his final squad.

Since then Liam Trotter has overtaken Williams in the pecking order and three midfielders were signed during the transfer window.

But Magilton had praise for Williams today saying: “Gavin did well against Colchester reserves earlier in the week.

“We know that he has the ability, and on Monday he showed that he has the desire.”

With David Norris, Jonathan Walters, Shefki Kuqi and Richard Naylor missing out tomorrow through injury, Magilton needs to bring fresh faces into his squad.

Trotter also caught Magilton's eye on Monday, and so did striker Jordan Rhodes.

“Jordan will be involved against Scunthorpe,” revealed the Blues boss, who needs a win tomorrow against second-from-bottom Scunthorpe to maintain a serious play-off push.

“He is the most natural goalscorer at the club and is developing well. He is still growing, but is keen and ready.”

Magilton also mentioned Ed Upson's contribution against the Colchester second string, and Gary Roberts, who may be included tomorrow with the Town boss still to decide whether to allow the left-sided player to return to Crewe on loan.

Talking about his strike force with Walters missing, Magilton said: “Alan Lee is relishing every game.

“We have no trouble at home, but what we need now is big performances from our players away from Portman Road.”

With Scunthorpe followed by QPR at home, Colchester United away and Cardiff at home, Town have - on paper at any rate - a chance to wrack up the points before they entertain Norwich City on April 13.

They need a good run now, and if they can carry on the good work from the 2-0 win over Charlton for the next four games the foundations will be laid for a serious play-off assault.

Town fans have been told not to travel to Scunthorpe without a ticket. There will be no cash turnstiles at Glanford Park so Blues fans who attend without a ticket will be turned away.

Tomorrow's likely squads

Scunthorpe United: Murphy; Hobbs, Crosby, Butler, Baraclough; Cork, Goodwin, McCann, Morris; Paterson, Horsfield; Lillis, Sparrow, Hayes, Weston, May, Horlock, Hunt.

Ipswich Town: Bywater; Wright, Bruce, De Vos, Sito; Haynes, Sumulikoski, Garvan, Quinn; Lee, Counago; Colgan, Harding, Miller, Rhodes, Trotter, Williams, Casement, Roberts.

Referee: Mr I Williamson (Berkshire)

OWEN Garvan is set to make his 100th Ipswich Town appearance tomorrow. His record is:

Apps Sub Total Goals

League 85 8 93 6

FA Cup 2 2 4 0

League Cup 1 1 2 1

Totals 88 11 99 7