Royle warning to fans

Ipswich manager Joe Royle has warned fans to expect an emotional occasion when his side take on West Ham in the play-off semi-final, first leg clash at Portman Road tomorrow.

Royle boasts a full-strength squad for the visit of the Hammers with Tommy Miller shaking off the effects of a bruised foot and fellow midfielder Chris Bart-Williams (back) in contention for only his first start in 12 games.

“I know it’s going to be a nervy occasion,” Royle told the club’s official website, www.itfc.co.uk.

“It’s a bite-your-nails time but we would have settled for being in this situation a few weeks back and the prize is now there for the taking – a place in the Premiership.”

West Ham full-back Rufus Brevett could gatecrash the play-offs – despite not playing a game since August.

Brevett sustained a foot injury against Sheffield United nine months ago but this week came through a behind-closed doors friendly with Tottenham.

He told the club’s official website, www.whufc.co.uk: “There is nothing more I would like than to play for the first team again before the end of the season.”