Luke Hyam and Tommy Smith stepped up their comebacks after long-term injuries, during Ipswich Town Under-23s’ 0-0 draw at West Brom, in the Premier League Cup on Monday.
Hyam, who has been desperately unlucky with injury for two years now, is battling back after a long-term knee problem, sustained in pre-season, and played an hour in the West Midlands.
As for Smith, on the road to recovery after a back operation, the New Zealand international played another 90 minutes, building on the one he got last week in Town Under-23s’ 8-0 thrashing of Watford at Portman Road.
Speaking about Hyam at Monday’s press conference, manager Mick McCarthy said: “I spoke to him on the way into training and wished him luck (for West Brom).
“He had a big smile on his face that he was going to get back playing,
“His energy and positivity can make a difference and fingers crossed he will be alright.”
On Smith, McCarthy added: “He never once intimated that maybe he could go an play at Brighton. He is not ready to play in the first-team yet.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here