Adam Webster is looking forward to proving himself in an Ipswich Town shirt again.

The central defender, out injured since mid-January, could return to the first-team fold on Sunday at Nottingham Forest (12pm KO).

Webster has already said that he would like to play, although, ultimately, that is up to Mick McCarthy.

The 22-year-old, a summer signing from Portsmouth, has been a rare bright spark in a disappointing season for Town, with the defender keen to make up for lost time next term.

“I think I proved (this season) that I can play at this level,” said Webster, who jumped up two leagues to play in the Championship, although Portsmouth have just been promoted into League One.

“I played just over 20 games (before his injury) so I had a good run in the side, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a good step up.

“I think you’ve always got to try and (carry on) proving yourself though, and hopefully there’s a lot more to come from me (in an Ipswich shirt).”

Webster made 67 league appearances for Portsmouth, the club he joined when he was 12, before moving to Suffolk – immediately catching the eye with his dazzling runs from centre-half.

“When I first came here, the manager was always telling me to do it, but I’ve just got to learn when to do it,” said Webster, who opened his Town account with a headed goal against Birmingham City, in a 2-1 defeat, on December 13.

“First and foremost, I’m a central defender, but if I’m in a game and the space is opening up for me, then I like to try and make something happen.”

Webster was also ‘delighted’ to see his former club win promotion into England’s third tier.

“It’s great for the club and it’s been a long time coming,” said the Chichester-born defender, who made his Portsmouth debut at the age of 17, as a late replacement for Greg Halford, in a game against West Ham United.

“I’ve watched them a few times this season (including the 4-0 away win over Colchester United) and they’ve been very good.

“I’ve still got mates down there and I’m delighted for them.”