Ipswich Town’s fading play-off hopes have been given a shot in the arm with the return of Teddy Bishop from a long-standing injury.

The 19-year-old midfielder has not kicked a ball in anger this season, due to hamstring and shin problems, but will be on the substitutes’ bench for tonight’s crucial Championship clash with relegation-threatened Charlton Athletic, at Portman Road.

Bishop has not featured in a Town shirt since the play-off semi-final second leg at Norwich last May, but, along with fellow returnee David McGoldrick, could play a vital cameo role in the Blues’ final seven games of the season.

Ipswich are currently eighth in the division, five points off the play-offs, and have entered “must-win” territory, following Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw at mid-table Wolves.

Bishop was outstanding in his maiden season last term and possesses the sort of creativity that the Blues have yearned for this year, his vision and passing being able to unlock opposition defences.

“Teddy’s fine and will be on the bench against Charlton,” said boss Mick McCarthy.

“I am delighted to have him back although he is not ready to start yet.

“You see the quality he has, he’s an outstanding young footballer. We have missed him.

“The training sessions have improved no doubt with the technical ability they (Bishop and McGoldrick) both have and it’s great to have them back.”

McCarthy erred on the side of caution, however, and is keen to treat the academy product with the same kid gloves that he has McGoldrick (hamstring), who made his own return from injury as a late substitute at Molineux on Saturday.

“I spoke to Teddy on Monday and we agreed it’s easy to get carried away, playing on a 60m by 40m pitch or on half a pitch,” added McCarthy.

“It’s when you have to run 75 yards then chasing back to start again.

“He’s a non-starter at the moment, he’s only trained this week, but has looked very sharp.”

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