Ipswich vs Portsmouth - Mick McCarthy names his team early for Portsmouth cup tie

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy has taken the unusual step of naming his starting XI 24 hours before Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Portsmouth at Portman Road.

McCarthy confirmed in his pre-match press conference Paul Digby will make his debut in defence, while veteran forward Luke Varney is set for a first start since May after coming back from injury.

McCarthy's XI is Bartosz Bialkowski in goal, Luke Chambers, Piotr Malarczyk, Digby and Jonas Knudsen in defence, Cole Skuse and Luke Hyam in central midfield and Tommy Oar, on-loan Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Varney supporting frontman Brett Pitman.

Forward Daryl Murphy (calf) is out and teenage midfielder Teddy Bishop continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.

Winger Kal Naismith is available for Portsmouth.

Naismith has returned to Fratton Park to fight for a place in Paul Cook's side after a loan spell at Hartlepool, who are struggling near the bottom of League Two.

Cook will be without defender Christian Burgess and striker Matt Tubbs, who are both unavailable due to ankle injuries.

Paul Jones remains sidelined after a knee operation as Pompey look to make it three wins in a row this weekend.