Luke Hyam desperate to make his mark for play-off chasing Ipswich Town

Luke Hyam is desperate to put a dismal 2015 behind him and right the wrongs of Ipswich Town’s play-off heartache against bitter rivals, Norwich City.

Hyam, 24, made his first appearance of the season for the Blues, as a substitute, in the 1-0 victory at Brighton on Tuesday, as he stepped up his rehabilitation, following a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.

After succumbing to injury last January, Hyam then went under the knife in the summer, having a successful knee operation, and recently spent time on-loan at Championship strugglers, Rotherham United.

Now, ahead of tomorrow’s clash at fifth-placed Burnley, where a Town win would set a new club record – six consecutive away wins – Hyam is nearing full fitness and hopes this year will finally see Town return to the big time.

“The (Norwich) game was horrible. I went up there with the lads and sat on the bench. I wanted to be a part of it as much as I could,” said Hyam.

“Now I am looking to the future and hopefully playing a part in the rest of the season, where we can hopefully win promotion.

“The squad is slightly different to the one I last played with and it’s been difficult to bond with the new players being in the treatment room, but they are different class and can push for the play-offs and maybe automatic promotion.”

Hyam played the majority of the second half on Tuesday at Brighton and admits it is fantastic to be back playing for Town.

“I love the club and I’m happy to be back,” Hyam added.

“It’s almost a year since I played and it’s been a long, hard year, so it was such a good feeling to get back on the football pitch.

“Every footballer goes through these patches and you have to brace yourself, be strong, and have the right people around you.

“It was hard after surgery and I was bed-bound for a few weeks and not able to do anything for myself.

“But mentally I am glad I went through the experience.”