Ipswich Town FC

Bradley admits debt to the Robins but wants it to be a Blue Christmas this year

Bradley Orr admits he still holds fond memories of former club Bristol City but is eager to ensure its Town who go into Christmas three points better off.

Blues come up against the Robins at Portman Road tomorrow, a club that on-loan defender Bradley spent six successful years with.

“I’ve got nothing but good memories of Bristol City,” Bradley told us in an exclusive interview to be printed in tomorrow’s matchday programme.

“I have a lot of gratitude to the club and also to the supporters there. They treated me really well and I’ve had some good times there. It’s a good club and a club that I will always hold in high regards. I’ve got a lot of affection for Bristol City.

“We want to win the game, of course, but it would also be a real boost to our supporters if we can win the final game before Christmas. We want the three points and it would certainly make the fans’ Christmas meals taste a whole lot sweeter!”

Team news

Mick McCarthy will hope to welcome back Luke Hyam to his squad, after the midfielder missed the visit to Leeds at the weekend with a virus. The former Academy graduate hasn’t featured for Blues since picking up a calf injury during the win against Nottingham Forest last month. Paul Taylor remains a long-term injury victim for Town with a foot injury.

Visitors Bristol City should be boosted by the return of striker Jon Stead, with the former Blue in contention to start for the Robins at Portman Road tomorrow. Defensive trio Greg Cunningham, Louis Carey and Lewin Nyatanga are all expected to be fit, whilst utility man Cole Skuse should also make the trip to Suffolk.

Where they finished last season

Town- 15^th
Bristol City- 20^th

Where they currently stand

Town- 20^th
Bristol City- 21^st

One to watch

Neil Danns. The winger is on loan at Ashton Gate from Championship rivals Leicester and has already proven his worth to the Robins, putting in a number of eye-catching displays for Derek McIness’ side. The Liverpool-born midfielder has plenty of experience at this level, having turned out for  Birmingham, Crystal Palace and parent-club Leicester, as well as helping Colchester earn promotion to the Championship in 2006. Danns also made a handful of appearances for Blackburn in the Premier League, after beginning his career at Ewood Park.

Match Officials

Referee: Mark Haywood
Assistants: Elliott Kaye and Carl Brook
Fourth Official: Michael George

Live commentary of the game will be available on Ipswich Player, whilst exclusive Town team news and live updates will be available to our Twitter and Facebook followers.