IPSWICH striker Alan Lee's impending suspension could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.That is the view of Town's first team coach, Bryan Klug, as 12-goal top scorer Lee faces a two-game ban.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH striker Alan Lee's impending suspension could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

That is the view of Town's first team coach, Bryan Klug, as 12-goal top scorer Lee faces a two-game ban.

The Republic of Ireland international will be absent from Saturday's visit of lowly Leicester to Portman Road, as well as the FA Cup fifth round tie at Watford the following week.

His booking for dissent in the 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace four days ago angered boss Jim Magilton, who confirmed afterwards that the player would incur a club fine.

But Klug said: “At least it will give Alan a chance to get his hamstring right. It's a niggling injury, something that is on-going and the rest should benefit him.

“He didn't make it at Stoke last week and did really well to play against Palace on Saturday because he was doubtful virtually right up to the kick-off.”

Lee collected his tenth yellow card of the season at Selhurst Park, while Gary Roberts has five to his name and that means he is also a non-starter against the Foxes.

Town's firepower will be further reduced against the Hornets because new boy Jon Walters is ineligible, having previously appeared in the competition for Chester this season.

Klug looked back at the Palace loss with regret, adding: “We had the better of it for the first half hour or so.

“But both teams looked as if they had played tough games last midweek and the first goal was always going to be important.

“We had a good 30 minutes but what we must do is make these periods longer and longer.

“It's about retaining belief. We must keep doing the right things and not panic, and extend the periods in which we play well.”

Town, already without skipper Jason De Vos, also have doubts about defender Fabian Wilnis and midfielder Owen Garvan for the weekend.

Wilnis has a badly bruised and swollen foot, which forced him off at half-time in the Palace game, while Garvan continues to be affected by a mystery knee problem.

Klug admitted: “We don't really know what is wrong in Owen's case. It's a non-specific injury and hopefully rest will do the trick.

“He's not going to train until Thursday this week so hopefully it will settle down and he'll be fine for Saturday.”

Goalkeeper Lewis Price is also expected to be fit after he was forced to withdraw from the Welsh squad for last night's friendly international against Northern Ireland in Belfast.

Klug added: “Lewis was sent back because of a thigh strain but I think that was more precautionary than anything else. He should be fine to face Leicester.”

Teenage striker Darryl Knights is having a trial at Yeovil, although Leyton Orient are still very interested in him, and recently-released academy defender Luke Webster, who played for Southend in their 3-1 reserve defeat by Ipswich on Monday, has also been invited to have a trial at Huish Park. Midfielder Sammy Moore will not be joining Scottish Premier League side Falkirk on loan after the Bairns made a second attempt to lure him north of the border.