Kieron Dyer may be pulled out of the Nationwide Division One representative side if he does not recover from a mystery virus.

Ipswich's England under-21 international has struggled with an infection for a couple of weeks and felt weak during the game against the Czech Republic.

Blues boss George Burley said: "Kieron and Richard Wright are back from England duty though we are bit concerned for Kieron.

"He is still feeling a bit weak with a virus and we will monitor his progress after the Bolton game on Saturday with a view to pulling out of going to Italy."

There are no such problems with Wright, who will be looking to keep his 13th clean sheet of the season against Bolton at Portman Road.

With Bobby Petta looking doubtful with a rib injury, Lee Hodges is set to make his debut for Ipswich.

The 22-year-old loan signing from West Ham is expected to line up on the left side of midfield in front of Jamie Clapham.

Petta joined in light training yesterday but is still in pain after pulling a ligament in the rib cage at Oakwell last Saturday.

Teenager John Kennedy will make his Portman Road first team debut on the other side of defence if George Burley does not secure another signing or loan player today.

Kennedy did a good job in his first start for Town in the 1-0 win at Barnsley.Burley said: "John can be pleased with his debut and if he starts I'm sure he will do well again."

David Johnson has had treatment for a knee injury but Burley is confident his 11-goal hitman will play.

Burley said: "David is bang in form, add to that we are a difficult team to beat.

"There is a great spirit in the team and we are looking to keep hold of our number two spot in the league."

An estimated 16,000 crowd is anticipated for the visit of Bolton, who dropped from the Premiership last season, after a year in the top flight.

Burley said: "Before the season started Bolton were my favourites to win promotion.

"They have not had the sort of start people predicted but they will be right up there at the top of the table.

"So it will be another tough game for us but it is important for us to keep the momentum going.

"The crowd have been tremendous and it is encouraging for the players to have another healthy gate getting behind them on Saturday."

The Trotters have taken Sheffield United defender John Newsome on loan and with Gudni Bergsson and Andy Todd injured he could well make his debut. And they will be without South African Mark Fish who is suspended.

Colin Todd is believed to have made a £2 million offer for Lynberg striker Carsten Fredgaard to replace Nathan Blake.

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