Torpedo tie move a boost for Stewie

THE Torpedo Moscow postponement has given Ipswich Town more time to spy on their Russian opponents and extra time to get ace striker Marcus Stewart recovered from a hamstring injury.

But, on the downside, the reshuffle of fixtures means that the Blues will face champions Manchester United in the Premiership at Old Trafford just two days after next Thursday's UEFA Cup first round first leg at Portman Road.

They had hoped to have the game moved to the Sunday, but United have a Champions League date with Lille the following Tuesday.

Town manager George Burley said today: "The situation is the situation and we just have to get on with it. Naturally we would have liked more time to recover after playing Torpedo at home on the Thursday, but you can understand United's position regarding a switch."

Stewart's round-the-clock treatment will continue ahead of Sunday's live Sky Sports home Premiership match with Blackburn at Portman Road. He sustained the injury towards the end of last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Leicester, a match in which he scored a first goal of the season.

Burley said: "Marcus was very, very doubtful for the Torpedo game. He now has more time before the next match to recover but it still may be touch and go regarding Sunday's Blackburn visit."

One of Town's European scouts will see Torpedo play bottom of the league Chermomerets on Saturday.

"If we can get a visa sorted in time we will have someone there. Torpedo are expected to have their full side out," said Burley.

The moving of the Torpedo home leg back a week has forced the postponement of the Blues' scheduled Premiership game at Southampton next Wednesday night.

Full-back Fabian Wilnis is training again after his hamstring trouble as is midfielder Tommy Miller after his shin injury.

Sixto Peralta is under treatment for a thigh injury and striker Richard Logan for an ankle problem.