Ipswich defender Mark Venus is closing in on a return to full fitness after two months out with a knee injury.

Venus was sidelined by the problem at the beginning of December and, having failed to make an appearance since then opted for surgery last month.

I am on the mend now and it's coming on fine Ipswich defender Mark Venus

The defender has been troubled by niggling injuries all season and has featured just 12 times in the first team.

But a successful operation on damaged cartilage should allow Venus to return to action by the middle of March.

He told the club's official website, ww.itfc.co.uk: "I am on the mend now and it's coming on fine.

"I'm pleased with the way it's going and hopefully I will be back playing in three or four weeks."