Bartosz Bialkowski expects the return of midfielder Emyr Huws to give Ipswich Town a real boost as the Blues prepare for Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa.
Welsh midfielder Huws made his first appearance of the season against Sheffield Wednesday this week, having previously been sidelined with an Achilles problem, and made an instant impact as he created Martyn Waghorn’s headed goal.
The Blues go to Villa Park looking for a repeat of last season’s 1-0 victory, in which Huws scored the winner, with Bialkowski excited to have a player of ‘unbelievable’ quality back in the side.
“Emyr is quality,” Bialkowski said.
“He had the assist for (Waghorn’s) goal on Wednesday and he is going to play a massive part for us this season, no doubt about it.
MORE: Stu says: ‘Are you not entertained?’ – Ipswich Town talking points ahead of trip to Aston Villa
“He showed it last season when he was on loan here, he was unbelievable and we signed him for a reason. He’s fit now and ready to play.
“It’s good to have competition for places and we’ve got that. We have good defensive options, midfield options and attacking options and to have everyone fit and ready is a massive boost for everyone. It’s a good dilemma for the gaffer as well.”
Bialkowski is expecting a tough afternoon against Steve Bruce’s Villa, but is confident the Blues can get back to winning ways following good performances in their 2-2 draws with both Hull and Wednesday.
MORE: ‘It’s been a nightmare’: Huws delighted to return from injury but gutted after late goal
“It’s going to be a tough place to go but we’re confident, especially after the last couple of performances,” the Polish goalkeeper said.
“We are in a good mood and we are going to go to Villa and try and win the game like last year. We beat them 1-0 and hopefully we can repeat that.
“You need to take positives and there were plenty of positives against Sheffield Wednesday. We had enough chances to win the game and scored two good goals, although unfortunately we conceded two as well.
“That’s football, but we are full of confidence and we will be alright.
“We have so many games in the next month and to win a few of them will make the table clearer and we will see where we are going to be. I’m confident we are going to be in the play-off places at least because we have shown we can beat anyone.
“We need to be 100 per cent sure in every game and need to be positive and have the belief we can beat anyone.
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