Luke Hyam and Stephen Hunt have both been ruled out of Ipswich Town’s Championship game at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Hyam will miss a third successive game with an Achilles problem, while Hunt – a regular of late – is suffering with illness.

“Luke’s still suffering with his Achilles and is not fully fit yet,” said Blues boss Mick McCarthy. “Grumbling Achilles are hard to get shut of.

“Hunty’s got a virus and is laid low so he’s not ready yet.”

Asked which Hunt he was referring to, Noel Hunt – available again after missing last Saturday’s 4-1 home win over his parent club Leeds – McCarthy replied: “Of course, yes! Stephen.”

Winger Cameron Stewart, who has struggled with a series of injuries since his summer switch from Hull, returned to action on Tuesday, scoring in a 3-2 win for the club’s Under-21s against their Brentford counterparts.

“I thought the did much better in the 21s the other day and is looking fitter,” said McCarthy. “He’s just got to keep going. It’s not easy for him to get in the team at the minute because it’s going well.”

Meanwhile, the Blues confirmed that Jack Collison – who continues to struggle with knee injuries – will be leaving the club at the end of his short-term deal, while he is yet to make a decision on Darren Ambrose a player who has been restricted to a handful of sub appearances.

“I’m sad for him,” said Mccarthy, when asked about Collison. “I thought he was well worth a chance, he looked the part in training and is a great lad to have around the place. He’s a really good pro, but it’s not worked out.”

On Ambrose, he said: “I’ve got to speak to him soon but I’ve not got around to that yet.”

Town are currently second in the table following just one defeat in 16 matches, while Bolton have been rejuvenated under Neil Lennon’s management. The Trotters were second-bottom when the former Celtic boss took over in mid-October. Since then they have won five, drawn two and lost two to move up to 17th.

– See tomorrow’s EADT and Ipswich Star for all the latest Blues news.