Ipswich Town’s key striker David McGoldrick could be set for his first appearance in a Town shirt in more than five months tonight as the Blues travel to Southend United in a pre-season friendly.

McGoldrick, Town’s top scorer last season with 16 goals in all competitions, has been out of action since mid-February with a nasty knee ligament injury but is set to make a return to the field tonight as Mick McCarthy’s men take on the Shrimpers at Roots Hall this evening, kick-off 7.45pm.

The popular Portman Road figure has made good progress of late and is expected to play some part in a 24-man squad that is also set to include trialists Kevin Bru and Balint Bajner, of whom McCarthy is keeping a close eye on.

Stephen Hunt is set to miss out again with a calf strain, but there is a return for fellow versatile midfielder Jay Tabb - who sat out as a precaution in the 2-0 win over Gillingham at the weekend.

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