IT was not quite the homecoming Adam Proudlock had envisaged but still a big step in the right direction for the Blues striker.Proudlock was not even in the 17-man squad that travelled to the West Midlands on Friday night but came within a whisker of snatching an equaliser for the Blues at the club where he started his career.

By Derek Davis

IT was not quite the homecoming Adam Proudlock had envisaged but still a big step in the right direction for the Blues striker.

Proudlock was not even in the 17-man squad that travelled to the West Midlands on Friday night but came within a whisker of snatching an equaliser for the Blues at the club where he started his career.

With Ricardo Fuller ruled out by red tape, the striker was called from the team hotel a told his comeback from injury and illness was being brought forward.

Proudlock said: “When the team- sheet went up Friday and I was not on it I was not totally surprised.

“I have only trained a couple of days after injury and illness so didn't expect to be involved.

“I got a phone call at 6.45pm and got a lift down to the team hotel for Wolves.

“I was really pleased. To be involved was great and for it to be at Wolves was extra special.

“I have not been back for a couple of years and to play 40 minutes was a big bonus.”

Proudlock replaced the injured Scott Barron four minutes after the break and went close to scoring with a good turn and powerful shot in front of the crowd that used to chant his name, although some booed when he went on.

He said: “I got a bit of a mixed reaction from crowd. I was here since a schoolboy and then sold. It wasn't as if I wanted to leave

“I almost scored as well and that would have been nice. We battered them in the first half and outplayed them for long spells and then they go and get a penalty, it was very harsh on us.”

Unless Fuller's work permit situation is resolved this week, Proudlock could be in with a chance of starting against Leicester City on Saturday, although a date with the reserves beckons first.

He said: “I'm not 100% fit but, hopefully, I can get 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday and then be involved in the first team again on Saturday. It has been frustrating but that has been the way my season has gone so, hopefully, it can turn around now.

“I want to be playing scoring a coupe of goals and earning myself a contract and helping Ipswich push towards the play-offs.”

The Blues second string take on Coventry City, tomorrow at Portman Road, with a 7pm kick off.