David McGoldrick could play some part in Ipswich Town’s crucial Easter weekend

The 27-year-old striker – who has missed the last 10 games with a troublesome thigh problem – returned to training this week and manager Mick McCarthy says the seven-goal man could have a part to play off the bench in either tomorrow’s home game against Bournemouth (5.15pm, Sky Sports) and/or Monday’s match at Huddersfield.

Asked about his injury list, the Blues boss said: “Jonny Parr (hamstring) and Kevin Bru (claf) are both struggling, but Teddy Bishop (shins) is fine – he’s been training all week.

“David McGoldrick and Darren Ambrose (hamstring) have both been back out there too and have trained well today. We’ve got games coming thick and fast so it’s good to have those two.

“These games maybe look a little too soon for Darren, but Didz (McGoldrick) is looking good. He has a chance of being involved over this weekend, but not as a starter. If we started him he’d probably have to come off. As a sub he’s got that great ability to come on and change a game.

“He’s been gutted to be out and I guess everybody connected with the club has been. I hate to stress the importance of one player, because everyone plays their part, but he has been a real talismanic figure for us. He’s been such a talented player. Leicester bid huge money for him in the summer, so that tells you what other people think of him. To lose him was really tough.

“Of course him and Murph (Daryl Murphy) have had a great rapport over the past two seasons. Listen, hopefully we’ll get him back for the next few games.”

Jonny Williams – back on loan from Crystal Palace – is in a similar situation to McGoldrick, having only just returned to full training following a five-month injury lay-off (groin).

“He’s a bit like Didzy – a really talented player coming back from injury,” said McCarthy. “Do you get the best out of them if they start and it’s a bit harem scarem and full on? When the opposition tires and gets stretched a bit then those type of players can have more of an impact. We will have to be patient and careful with them because we don’t want them to get injured.”

Zeki Fryers – also recruited from Palace on loan – will go straight into the starting line-up, with Tyrone Mings suspended for the next two games and Parr sidelined.

“I think a getting recognised left-back is a prudent move for us,” said McCarthy. “Clarkey (Matt Clarke) is a left-sided centre-back. I’d put him on in a game at left-back if I had to. I’d certainly play him at centre-half. He would be playing against one of the most talented wingers in the league in Matt Ritchie.”

Asked if he had a decision to make over his goalkeeper – Dean gerken fit again having suffered concussion at Middlesbrough – the Blues boss said: “I haven’t given that too much thought. Bart (Bartosz Bialkowski) has come in, we’ve won two games, he stays in the team.”

– See tomorrow’s AEDT and Ipswich for full match preview.