CHRIS Makin, one of the forgotten men at Portman Road, talked today about the pain of missing out on Ipswich Town's dramatic revival.He said goodbye to his team-mates today as they left for tomorrow's First Division game at Preston where they hunt a sixth consecutive victory.

By Elvin King

CHRIS Makin, one of the forgotten men at Portman Road, talked today about the pain of missing out on Ipswich Town's dramatic revival.

He said goodbye to his team-mates today as they left for tomorrow's First Division game at Preston where they hunt a sixth consecutive victory.

Makin then settled down to more work at Town's training ground at Rushmere as he continues his battle to regain full fitness.

It was the end of August when the former Sunderland defender suffered a thigh injury in the match against West Ham – and his attempt at a comeback three weeks ago ended after a few minutes of a home reserve game against Charlton.

"This is one of my worst injuries and it is proving very frustrating," said Makin. "It is worse when the first team lads leave to play an away match.

"The training ground empties and it can be hard mentally. You miss the crack with the rest of the lads and a return to the team can seem a long way off.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel and I expect to back in action in a couple of weeks – and back in the first team soon afterwards.

"I can tell Town fans that I will have a part to play this season and I can't wait to get started. Missing seven weeks is like having another

close-season and I will need time to get back to full fitness.

"With referees handing out yellow cards for nothing these days – it has become a joke – a chance to get back in the side will come."

Town were about to sink to the bottom of the table when Makin suffered his injury. Now they are sixth after just one defeat in nine league games.

"It has been a marvellous transformation, which has coincided with the arrival of the three loan players," added Makin.

"The place is buzzing and the

spirit sky high. The lads cannot wait for games to come along and training is great fun for them.

"The promotion places are wide open with no team running away with it. Anyone in the top ten can go on and play in the Premiership next

season and it is all about winning games.

"There have been a lot of draws, but Ipswich have managed to gain three points and move up the table."

A scan has revealed that Makin's muscle has healed and it is now a case of getting fully fit again.

"I tried to rush back and played in a reserve match too early. I knew from the first minute that it was not right, but I am on my way back now. It

cannot come soon enough."