Brighton still wait for Bowditch

Brighton & Hove Albion should complete the loan signing of Ipswich Town striker Dean Bowditch next week.

Bowditch, who scored once in four appearances for Brighton in the autumn, has agreed to return to The Withdean Stadium.

The loan deal has been on hold while he recovers from a groin injury, but there has now been a further delay.

Ipswich are short of strikers for this weekend's FA Cup fifth round tie with Watford, with Alan Lee suspended and Jon Walters cup-tied.

That leaves Jim Magilton's attacking options depleted and he admits he is likely to require Bowditch for the first time since mid-October.

"We do have restricted options up front for the Watford game and we will probably draft Dean back into the squad," Magilton told the club's official website.

"He has not trained much since his injury, but it's a case of needs must and we are likely to get him involved.

"We know what Dean can give us and it will be an opportunity for him."