DRISSA Diallo is on his way back.The central defender, who will be 31 on January 14, has not played in the Ipswich Town first team since he damaged a knee against Wimbledon on September 20.

DRISSA Diallo is on his way back.

The central defender, who will be 31 on January 14, has not played in the Ipswich Town first team since he damaged a knee against Wimbledon on September 20.

He expects to start full-time training next week, and to play in a reserve fixture next Wednesday.

"That is my goal," said Diallo today. "I want to play at least one half of the reserve game on January 7."

And Town manager Joe Royle confirmed what a boost it would be to have the ex-Burnley player back in contention.

"It will give us a massive lift," said Royle, who saw his defence struggle to cope with Crystal Palace in Sunday's 3-1 First Division reverse at Portman Road.

See tonight's Evening Star for full story