GaryCroft is in line for a return to the Ipswich Town First team after playing a full 90 minutes for the reserves yesterday.

The Town defender has made rapid progress after injuring his knee in the 2-1 win over Huddersfield last month.

He was expected be out for around a month but the former Blackburn Rovers defender played in the 2-0 win at Oxford United yesterday and should be fit for the visit of Portsmouth at the weekend.

John McGreal, who ruptured medial ligaments during Sunday's televised game at Birmingham, is definitely out so skipper Matt Holland may be asked to fill the sweeper role.

Pompey, who lost 2-1 at home to Worthington Cup finalists Tranmere Rovers last night, visit Portman Road with the threat of relegation looming large.

Tony Pulis's side are in the bottom three and will not be relishing the trip to face one of the First Division's in-form sides.

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