Ipswich v Bristol City: IPSWICH Town manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that midfielder Luke Hyam comes back into contention for tomorrow’s visit of Bristol City after recovering from a bout of flu.

The 20-year-old came back into the starting line-up for the 3-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest and impressed his new boss with a goal and all-action display.

He has missed the following four games though having picked up a calf injury in the latter stages of the game before suffering from a bout of flu.

Nigel Reo-Coker returned to the bench for last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Leeds, meaning the Blues boss has a full bill of health heading into tomorrow’s game against a Bristol City side just once place and five points below them.

“Yes, they’re all okay,” said McCarthy. “Luke’s fit, Nigel’s fit – I’ve got a squad of 22 players, 20 outfield players – and that includes Tyrone Mings and a few other youngsters. They might get an opportunity over the coming weeks, you never know – we’ll see what happens.

“I can’t imagine that 10 outfield players are going to all be able to play over this busy Christmas period (five games in 15 days). I’ll be needing everybody, I’m sure.

“I can’t plan who’s going to be completely knackered and who isn’t. We’ll just have to take it game-by-game. You’re always looking ahead and thinking what your contingency.”

Asked if he enjoyed this period in the football calendar, McCarthy added: “I have to say yes otherwise you’ll be calling me Ebenezer Scrooge! Bah Humbug and all that!

“I love this time of year. I’ve been doing it for 37 years, training Christmas Day, playing on Boxing Day, another game on the 28th or 29th and then again on New Year’s Day. That doesn’t bother me all that.

“There’s been a discussion as to whether there should be a game between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, whether it dilutes the quality in the other games, but I think leave tradition well alone. The crowds enjoy it and we get our Christmas Day in the summer.”

– See tomorrow’s EADT for full match preview.