Ipswich Town midfielder Teddy Bishop is once again on the sidelines, this time for two to four weeks with ankle ligament damage.

The 20-year-old enjoyed an eye-catching breakthrough season when the Blues finished in the Championship play-off places, but sat out virtually the entirety of the 2015/16 campaign with hamstring and shin problems and has started just six league games this season.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Birmingham, Blues boss Mick McCarthy said: “He (Bishop) has twisted his ankle and he won’t be travelling, he’s done his ankle ligaments and he’ll be out for two to four weeks.

Meanwhile, the Town manager says he and several members of his squad have been suffering with illness since Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Cardiff.

“I’m hoping I’m going to be fit and well for it,” he said. “I’m considerably better today than I was yesterday.

“There are a few that have got sniffles and coughs and colds. Gerks (Dean Gerken) went home yesterday, he was sick.

“Wardy (Grant Ward) was feeling it a bit, I think he had a bit of a dodgy tummy and what have you.

“Skusey (Cole Skuse), a cough and a cold. There’s a bit going around the place. Hopefully they’ll all be okay.”

Tommy Smith (back) is set to return to training towards the end of the month following his operation, while Luke Hyam and Giles Coke (both knee) are also continuing their rehab after surgery and Paul Digby is also out with a knee problem.

McCarthy also confirmed that Leon Best is not injured and was just left out of the squad through choice at the weekend due to Brett Pitman’s return to fitness.

Meanwhile, Preston have confirmed the signing of Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan, a player the Blues boss recently watched in action before deciding not to take his interest any further.