Paul Taylor is available to play for Ipswich Town against Barnsley on Friday night after his loan spell at League One side Peterborough came to a premature end.

The 26-year-old – a £1.5m signing in August 2012 – re-joined his former club on a temporary basis because Blues boss Mick McCarthy wanted him to gain some match fitness following almost a year on the sidelines with a foot injury.

He started all seven matches that Posh played during a one-month loan spell, failing to score and earning some mixed reviews for his performances.

Taylor was due to remain at London Road until after Saturday’s home match with League One leaders Leyton Orient, but has been recalled so that he can play some part for Town against Barnsley in Friday night’s televised match.

“Mick came to the Sheffield United game last week and has watched all of the DVDs involving Paul and you can definitely see he is a lot sharper and fitter,” said Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson. “That is what Ipswich were looking for when they allowed him to come out on loan.

“Paul has done well for us, but we knew there was a chance they would recall him earlier than the full month and that is what has happened. I have other options in terms of team selection for the weekend at the club.”

In a poll held during the EADT’s Monday lunchtime webchat, 57% of fans voted that Taylor should go straight into the starting XI upon his return – http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/live-webchat (page 2).

McCarthy’s dilemma will be where to play Taylor in his favoured 4-4-2 system.

The direct-running Liverpudlian plays a similar role to David McGoldrick up front in that he likes to drop deep and collect the ball to feet. He is also capable of playing on the right-wing – a role McCarthy handed him at Wigan prior to his London Road switch – although McCarthy does like Paul Anderson’s work-rate in that wide area.