Midfielder Emyr Huws is closing in on a return to action with the midfielder feeling ‘really positive’ ahead of a potential appearance for the Under 23s on Monday night.

Huws hasn’t kicked a ball for the Blues since undergoing knee surgery in December, but could be involved when the Ipswich youngsters host Hull next week.

Manager Paul Hurst revealed the Welshman is feeling good as his recovery continues, though he did admit the 24-year-old may have ongoing issues he needs to deal with regarding his knee.

“I think with Ems there is an element that, because he’s been out for so long, that he’s a little bit cautious at times,” Hurst said. “But I think we’re coming through that now.

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“At the end of training today I asked him how he was and he was really positive and his knee feels really good. He just understands he needs to be fitter.

“My comment to him was ‘well that’s a good place to be in’. It’s hard to get fit, as in all the effort required whether that be the running or lifting, but it’s testing you mentally as well.

“Realistically, if that knee’s fine then that’s a good place to be in and that’s a real positive to me.

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“He’s another player we would see certainly enhance the squad and I’m sure the fans would love to see.”

Asked if he could feature for the Under 23s against Hull on Monday night, Hurst replied: “Hopefully.

“I haven’t discussed that with him but realistically that’s what I’ll be looking at providing we get through Friday and Saturday training with no real issues.

“One thing I would say with Ems and his knee is that there will still be times when it swells. That’s not to say that is a disaster, but it might just be that it’s a bit puffy some days compared to others.

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“That’s just the body’s natural response and, as long as it goes down quickly, then we can live with that. But as a person and a player you can get a bit panicky about it.

“Hopefully we can get him involved on Monday.”

Huws managed just five appearances for the Blues last season after making his loan move from Cardiff permanent in the summer.