Loan duo Dominic Samuel and Jonny Williams made timely injury comebacks last night as a strong Ipswich Town Under-23 side drew 1-1 with Crewe at Portman Road.

Former England Under-19 front man Samuel, 22, joined the Blues on loan from Reading on January transfer deadline day. He promptly scored a hat-trick as the U23s thrashed Watford 8-0, but broke his toe in that game and has been sidelined for six weeks.

Welsh international Williams underwent shoulder surgery last December and reported a tight hamstring following his initial return to U23 action a fortnight ago.

The duo were both subbed in the 71st minute and could now be in contention for Town’s crunch home clashes with Birmingham and Wigan following this weekend’s international break.

Their returns are timely given forward duo David McGoldrick and Tom Lawrence have just picked up injuries.

• Everything you need to know about Dominic Samuel.

Williams won a 27th minute penalty, but Brett Pitman’s spot-kick was saved. Moments later, the striker made amends when netting from close-range following a corner.

Myles Kenlock had to be replaced due to an injury soon after the restart. The visitors drew level after Paul Digby conceded possession on the edge of the box and Daniel Udoh fired into the bottom corner.

TOWN U23s: Crowe, Emmanuel, Kenlock (Webber 48), Digby, Smith, Williams (McKendry 71), McDonnell, Blanchfield, Samuel (Morris 71), Pitman, Sears. Unused: Folami, Wright.