Ipswich v Bolton: RICHARD Stearman and Michael Chopra look set to go straight back into the Ipswich Town side for tomorrow’s visit of Bolton following injuries to Elliott Hewitt and Frank Nouble.

Hewitt was highly-impressive on his full Championship debut last weekend, the teenager once again showing why so many clubs were interesting in signing him from Macclesfield Town last summer.

Worryingly, the right-back – who underwent a double hip operation last summer – has reported a sore hip flexor following the goalless draw at Peterborough.

And that means that Wolves loanee Richard Stearman will come straight back into the side after serving the one-match suspension he received for the harsh two bookings dismissal he received in last Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

“Elliott Hewitt has got a sore hip flexor and we’ve got to check that out,” revelaed Blues boss Mick McCarthy. “He’s not going to play, but he wouldn’t have played anyway because I’ve got Richard Stearman back.

“Someone asked me earlier in the week whether I had a dilemma, well no because Stears was excellent and he shouldn’t have been sent-off at Forest – even the referee’s assessor said that.

“It’s sad to have Elliott injured though because I thought he was great last week. Stears now knows he’s got a willing and able replacement waiting should he slip up. Stears has been terrific and there was no way I’d have left him out of the team.”

Last weekend was also Nouble’s full debut for the Blues and the striker proved a real handful for the Posh defence, striking the post with a long-range shot and forcing a smart stop out of keeper Bobby Olejnik.

He revealed in media interviews yesterday that he had picked up a hamstring injury in training though and wouldn’t be fit to face the Trotters.

“That was good of him!” joked McCarthy. “Did he put it on Twitter or did he tell you lot? He is out, yes.

“Michael Chopra (who missed the game at London Road with a dead leg) is available again though. He’s trained today and is in the squad tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Cresswell missed training today with a sore ankle but is expected to be fit.

“Cressie didn’t train today,” said McCarthy. “But I’ve just spoken to him and he’s confident he’ll play.

“If he’s not okay then Tyrone Mings will get his chance. There’s no point putting square pegs in round holes. Unless I give him a chance then we’ll never know how he’ll do.

“I wouldn’t move Tommy Smith and play him there, even though he can. It would be Mings.”

Teenager Mings is yet to make an appearance for the Blues following his December move from non-league side Chippenham Town.

– See tomorrow’s EADT for full match preview.