Branagan blow for Town

The 35-year-old sustained the injury a month ago in training, but has only now learnt the full extent of the damage.

However, doctors have told him that surgery would sideline him for a lengthy period of time, so he is hoping to recover through rest and physiotherapy.

"The aim is to get in a few games before the end of the campaign, but we'll have to see how the treatment goes," said the former Republic of Ireland keeper.

"They put a camera inside the damaged area of the shoulder and it was discovered that a joint had been opened up and that there were many torn ligaments.

"The surgeon told me that he could operate, but it would be a very big operation and I would be out for a long, long time as a result.

"We're going to go down the treatment and rehabilitation path in the hope that it can get it right.

"It's all so very frustrating, but you just have to get on with it.  Hopefully I can get away with it without having the major surgery."

Meanwhile, Ipswich took advantage of their weekend off in The Premiership by travelling to Cyprus.

Whilst their they faced Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz in a friendly, which they won 2-1 thanks to goals from Finidi George and Pablo Counago.