JIM Magilton said today that Saturday will come too early for on-loan striker Francis Jeffers to make his Ipswich Town return.But the Blues boss is confident the 26-year-old former England international will play for Town again this season.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton said today that Saturday will come too early for on-loan striker Francis Jeffers to make his Ipswich Town return.

But the Blues boss is confident the 26-year-old former England international will play for Town again this season.

“Saturday will be a week too soon,” said Magilton. “His torn hamstring is healing well, but they can be tricky injuries and you do not often know how they will react until they are tested in match conditions.

“Franny will have a scan tomorrow and if he gets an all-clear we will look to extend his loan period until the end of the season.”

Jeffers' initial one-month loan runs out after Saturday's match, but Magilton is already in talks with Blackburn manager Mark Hughes about extending it.

He has said that he sees no major obstacles in the way of Jeffers joining Town full-time in the summer.

Ipswich entertain Plymouth at Portman Road on Saturday and then play Barnsley at home the following week before visiting Sheffield Wednesday on Easter Monday.

Jeffers could well feature in the last two of those games that could go a long way to determining how many Ipswich Town season tickets are sold for next season. The deadline for reduced prices comes after the visit to the Owls.

“We are all aware of the importance of season tickets sales,” said Magilton. “We have some massive games coming up and I would like to end by winning all the remaining seven.”

Gavin Williams will partner Owen Garvan in the middle of midfield against Plymouth, with Magilton resigned to losing French midfield general Sylvain Legwinski and central defender Richard Naylor until the start of next season.

“Sylvain has suffered a tiny fracture to his first metatarsal and he has it in a cask,” said Magilton. “He is having daily treatment and will be missed.

“Richard Naylor has been in considerable pain since bruising his toe against Swansea and I still don't know how he withstood the agony against Crystal Palace seven days later.

“Hopefully he will be OK by the start of pre-season.”

Gary Roberts picked up a groin strain in training on Monday, but was expected to train today.

Skipper Jason De Vos was training today for the first time since the win at Luton 12 days ago after taking a blow on the same foot where he fractured a metatarsal in January.

“We will see after today,” said De Vos. “I am desperate to play on Saturday, but it might be a late call.”

Chris Casement has suffered bruising beside his knee and his loan move to Millwall will start today after being delayed four days.

IPSWICH Town players will have a rare experience when they will use the away dressing room at Portman Road in the final of the Club Colours Suffolk Premier Cup on Tuesday, April 17.

Ridgeons League Leiston, managed by Jason Dozzell, will have the home dressing room.