Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is hoping to sign a central midfielder when the ‘emergency’ loan window opens, but is more than prepared to make do and mend for the time being.

The Blues boss has seen his central midfield options dwindle in recent weeks, Luke Hyam suffering a deep cut to his leg in the 1-0 defeat at Millwall, loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe recalled by Manchester United (an subsequently sold to Fulham) and Cole Skuse forced off the field after suffering concussion in the first half of last weekend’s 1-0 home win over Bolton.

With a transfer deadline day deal – believed to be for Leeds United’s Paul Green – falling through late on, it meant that Jay Tabb, Stephen Hunt (a left-winger) and Anthony Wordsworth (semi-fit following a recent bout of tonsillitis) were Town’s central three at the end of last weekend’s victory.

Football League clubs can sign players on 93-day loan deals as of tomorrow, but McCarthy says there will be no new arrival in time for his side’s Championship match at second-bottom Barnsley.

“It’s unlikely,” said the Blues boss “We’ve got one (deal) that’s spinning – let’s hope it stays there and doesn’t fall on my head.”

Asked if the deal was the same one he tried to get done on transfer deadline day, he replied: “Can’t tell you that. If you keep asking then you’ll almost know (who it is)!” He continued: “Bearing in mind we’ve got so many injuries there (in central midfield) it would be handy to get someone. I hope to get one in, but I’m not worried if we do or don’t to be honest because Tabby and Hunty did well in there last week and Woody came in and did well.

“I thought Frazer Richardson was excellent in there too. I know he only had 10 minutes at the end, but he could play that defensive midfield role without doubt because he’s a capable footballer.

“We’re alright. If we get somebody, great, if we don’t the lads are fine.”

Asked if Skuse was okay following his clash of heads last weekend, McCarthy said: “It depends which side you ask him from! If you ask him from the side where he has to turn around from his waist to answer then he struggles! He’s trained today though and he’ll be fine.

“Hunty missed training today, he said he had a tight groin from training the other day, but he’ll be alright.

“Luke (Hyam) is doubtful for the weekend. He took eight stitches and it’s right by the knee joint. It’s got to heal properly or it will just keep opening up.

“Am I cursed or blessed when it comes to central midfield? I’m not sure with the way Hunty and Tabby played the other day. Tabby has played there before, but Hunty not so much and those two were excellent the whole game. I’m cursed that I’ve lost some and blessed that I’ve got others who can do the job.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss says that striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – who injured his hamstring on his Blues debut (the 1-1 home draw with Preston) – is nearing a return.

He said: “Sylvan is training fully but is not ready to play still. We want him back ASAP, but I don’t want him having another problem. He’s trained fully with the team today, he’s done a bit extra with TC (Terry Connor) and he looks fine. We’re pleased with his progress.”

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