Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert has delivered an encouraging update on the fitness of both defender Kane Vincent-Young and midfielder Flynn Downes, ahead of the Tractor Boys' trip to Accrington Stanley on Sunday.

Lambert's side will be heading to Accrington full of belief and confidence, with the aim of continuing their unbeaten run at the start of the League One campaign - and Ipswich will also be looking to make it five straight league wins to extend their lead at the top of the table.

However, Ipswich suffered somewhat of a potential blow during the international break, with Downes, who has been an instrumental figure in midfield for the Tractor Boys so far this term, picking up a hip injury whilst playing for the England U20's against the Czech Republic.

Vincent-Young is also a doubt for the weekend, having been forced off in Ipswich's 1-0 win at Fleetwood Town last time out, having suffered a groin problem during the first half of that game.

Speaking in his pre match press conference, Lambert suggested that both Downes and Vincent-Young will be assessed at the weekend to see if they can play a part against Accrington on Sunday, saying "Kane is doing ok. We will see how he is on Saturday.

"Flynn is better this morning. Again, he's still got a few days before we see how he is for Sunday."

The Verdict

Ipswich will be boosted by the potential returns of both Downes and Vincent-Young for Sunday's trip to Accrington, with the pair integral parts of Lambert's starting line-up so far this season, and both playing key roles in helping the Tractor Boys make an unbeaten start in the league.

However, as Lambert alluded to Ipswich will be waiting to see if the pair are ready for Sunday, and Ipswich will be wise not to attempt to rush them back to fitness too quickly, as they will be needing both players to return to full strength ahead of the next few weeks.

Lambert has other options in the shape of Emyr Huws and Gwion Edwards to call upon to replace Downes and Vincent-Young if needed, so Ipswich do not need to panic and can afford them both the time to recover properly from their respective injuries.