Ipswich's Owen Garvan and Billy Clarke face fitness races to play against Cardiff after withdrawing from international action.Garvan was forced out of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad with a calf injury sustained in Town's 6-0 win over Bristol City, while Clarke has pulled out of the same squad with a thigh problem.

Town physio Matt Byard told the club's official website: "Owen's calf is still a problem so unfortunately he has had to be pulled out.

"It's touch and go whether he will be fit against Cardiff. He will continue to be monitored and we will see how he progresses.

"We have also pulled Billy out of the squad. He's picked up a thigh injury in training this week and will be staying behind for treatment. Like Owen, it's a question of looking at him later next week and taking it from there."

Defender Tommy Smith was also forced out of the England Under-18 squad with a knee injury picked up playing for Town's reserves.

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