JASON De Vos wants to return to the Ipswich Town side for tomorrow's FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) fifth round tie at Premiership Watford (kick-off 3pm).“If it was up to me I would play, and my heart tells me I am ready,” said the 33-year-old Canada international.

By Elvin King

JASON De Vos wants to return to the Ipswich Town side for tomorrow's FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) fifth round tie at Premiership Watford (kick-off 3pm).

“If it was up to me I would play, and my heart tells me I am ready,” said the 33-year-old Canada international.

“But my head tells me that I have to be cautious and look at the bigger picture.

“It is the opinion of the medical staff that will determine whether I am on the field or not tomorrow.

“They have been fantastic and I am very pleased with how my recovery has gone. A decision will be left as late as possible.”

The influential central defender and club captain has been out since the Championship win over Colchester on January 20 with a cracked metatarsal.

It was first thought that De Vos would be out for at least six weeks, but today he revealed that he will be 'Up for the Cup' even if he is left to 'Kick every ball' in the stand.

“It is a massive game and I genuinely believe we have a chance,” he added.

“If we were playing away to a Manchester United or a Chelsea it would be different as it would take a phenomenal effort to get a result.

“But with respect to a very good Watford side we have a chance of gaining an upset.

“If I am not playing I shall be doing all I can do gee up the lads and will be kicking every ball in the stand.

“The players who come in will have a wonderful chance to show the manager what they can do.

“Jim Magilton has quite rightly said that players will be playing for their futures tomorrow and this is how it should be every match.”

The remainder of the season could be an anti-climax for mid-table Ipswich if they fail to go into the FA Cup quarter-final draw on Monday.

However, De Vos does not see it that way.

He said: “Preparations for next season's promotion push start from now and the next few months will be very important.

“We have not given up on moving up the table this campaign and we must ensure we do not fizzle out like we did in the final couple of months of last season.”

De Vos' regular central defensive partner Richard Naylor is still in discomfort with a bruised toe, but Town's longest- serving player will play through the pain barrier if at all possible.

Striker Alan Lee and midfielder Owen Garvan are both suspended, while Jonathan Walters (cup-tied) and Gavin Williams (injured) will also be missing.

Watford, who are bottom of the Premiership, are set to be at full strength and unchanged from last Saturday's confidence-boosting 1-0 victory at West Ham.