The long wait is over, Jonny Williams is back at Ipswich Town.

The hugely popular midfielder, who scored once for the club in 13 appearances last season, has returned from Crystal Palace until January, and could make his debut at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.

The saga over Williams’ short-term future has dominated the summer months, with Town manager Mick McCarthy never denying his admiration for the Welsh international midfielder.

The signing is a huge coup for fifth-placed Town who are five games unbeaten, having won four games in a row, and has seen them beat off competition from Bolton Wanderers for the midfielder, who can be recalled after 28 days by the Eagles.

Speaking today, McCarthy who denied the player was joining when asked by this newspaper at the weekend said: “On the back of four wins, which is great for us to be getting a player of his quality coming in after that.

“I think that was one of his concerns, when deciding where he was going to go as he had a number of options, would he play, because we have been playing well.”

He added: “If you think Jonny Williams, as good as he was the last time, is going to be sat warming the bench during his loan, then that’s not going to happen.

“It will give everyone a lift and boost, on the back of the results, seeing him coming him, knowing the quality he has.

If we can get out of him what he did the last time, or he can contribute what he did the last time, we will be delighted.

“He lit the place up.”

McCarthy was pressed about Williams potentially signing after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Rotherham, following managing director Ian Milne’s comments that a new signing wass imminent.

“Is the managing director conducting press conferences before the game now? said McCarthy at the time

“I would say what is he doing conducting press conferences before the game, I thought that was my job.

“Our lads are flying and I am not looking for anybody, I was asked that question the other day.

“If they want to send him across in the car tomorrow, I will take hold of him mind!”

Asked about other targets this morning, McCarthy joked: “It doesn’t matter what I say now no one is going to believe me! They (new signings) are queuing up now.”

McCarthy is waiting on the fitness of Cole Skuse (toe), although the midfielder trained this morning. Cameron Stewart (Knee) and Stephen Hunt (calf) are back in full training but wont figure in Sheffield.