Ipswich Town have suffered a big blow, in their season-long quest to make the Championship play-offs, with the news that Teddy Bishop has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

Influential midfielder Bishop will have to sit out the rest of the season with a ruptured hamstring, which he sustained during the goalless home draw against QPR on Boxing Day.

Town are currently 10th in the table, five points adrift of the distant play-offs, and Bishop’s absence will further lessen their chances of making the top six.

Bishop will require surgery, after scans revealed that the hamstring had been ruptured.

“Bish needs surgery which is devastating for all of us,” confirmed Town boss Mick McCarthy.

“He’s a great lad and the lads all love him, but of course the one that is suffering the most at the moment is Bish himself.

“It will be another challenge for him, both physically and mentally, but he will get great support from everyone at the Club and we wish him a speedy recovery.”