Jim Magilton will play for Ipswich in their clash at West Bromwich Albion.

Town have taken the Irish midfielder on loan for another month from Sheffield Wednesday but expect him to make a final decision about staying at the club by Monday.

Blues' boss George Burley said it was likely Magilton would return to Sheffield immediately if he turns down their offer after the weekend.

Burley said: "It is a big decision for Jim and he wants to be clear in his head about what he is doing. Extending the loan gives him the weekend to think things through.

"Hopefully he will stay, get regular first team football and re-establish himself in the Northern Ireland team."

With the transfer deadline looming Burley admits there may still be new faces by next Thursday.

He said: "We are always looking and keeping our options open. Ideally Jim will stay - if not we have other alternatives we are looking at.

"We have right up until 5pm next Thursday to bring someone in, if they are the right player."

Ipswich travel to West Brom with a full strength squad after Manuel Thetis and Mick Stockwell made good progress this week.

Shaven-haired Jason Cundy is in the squad but is unlikely to displace the central trio who have helped create a club record 21 clean sheets.

Burley said: "Jason, and Adam Tanner, understand how difficult it is to push their way into the defence the way it has been performing.

"It will be difficult at West Brom. They have Lee Hughes who has scored 31 goals, and will be out to bounce back after losing 4-1 to local rivals Birmingham City last week."

Burley has warned David Johnson to look carefully at Jamaica's upcoming fixtures before fully committing himself to playing international football for them.

Johnson has agreed to play in two friendlies but that does not tie him to the country. Burley said: "It will be David's decision. He will go to the West Indies and see the set up and look at the fixtures.

"We have seen before with Craig Forrest how international football can affect your career."

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