Joe Garner will return to the Ipswich Town squad for Saturday’s visit to Middlesbrough after recovering from a foot injury.
The striker missed the Blues’ victories over Derby and Nottingham Forest after picking up the problem, with Martyn Waghorn performing well through the middle in both games, but is available once again for the visit to the Riverside.
Tommy Smith, Tom Adeyemi and David McGoldrick all remain sidelined, though, with McGoldrick now targeting the home clash with Reading next weekend following surgery on a nasty gash to his groin. Captain Luke Chambers is also certain to return to the Ipswich team, after missing the Forest win due to suspension.
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Garner’s return means manager Mick McCarthy now has a decision to make as to who takes on central striking duties, but he’s delighted to have the former Rangers man available once again.
“Joe has trained - he trained yesterday and trained fully today and got involved with the ball,” McCarthy said.
“He’s done everything we’ve wanted him to do so he’s travelling, he’s in the squad.
“Thankfully we didn’t miss him. I get those questions every week and, every time, I say I hope we don’t and we haven’t. It’s damn good to have him back, though.
“Next Saturday is the plan,” McCarthy continued, when asked about Mcgoldrick’s possible return.
“He’s been out on the grass today and if everything goes well we will see him next Saturday.
“Tommy Smith is training, he won’t be travelling tomorrow but he’s OK and he’s fit. He just needs some match practice as much as anything.
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“Tom Adeyemi is smiling and said he’s turned a corner today. He’s feeling a lot better about himself.
“I hope we see them again soon. We’ve probably used the fewest players in the league so to get good players back would be a real benefit to us.”
McCarthy also had some positive news regarding Luke Hyam, but there is no timetable for him to return following a knee injury of his own.
“He was out on the grass today, with David McGoldrick, but I’m not going to be talking about him being involved in the team just yet.”
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