Cardiff v Ipswich: Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Scott Loach will start in goal against Cardiff City on Saturday – but Elliott Hewitt will lose his place to Bradley Orr.

Many fans hoped the pair, who both impressed in the FA Cup third round defeat at Aston Villa, would retain their place against the runaway leaders.

But Mick McCarthy today confirmed that Orr, who was cup-tied, would come back into the side at right-back with Hewitt unfortunate to lose his place after a promising debut.

The Town boss said: “Bradley is playing. He has got better and better and played well against Brighton (on New Year’s Day).”

There was brighter news for Loach who will keep his place in goal, although McCarthy has little choice after Stephen Henderson twisted an ankle in training and will now return to parent club West Ham.

The Town boss said: “If it was going to be a tough decision, it has been taken out of my hands now. He did play well (against Villa). I was impressed with him last weekend, it was a good performance. He gets his opportunity again, whether it is by default or not.”

Luke Chambers, who was rested last weekend rather than not risked after breaking his nose in training, could well return in place of Patrick Kisnorbo while Andy Drury is back in contention after illness.

New signings David McGoldrick, Aaron McLean and Frank Nouble will contest the two striking positions along with Michael Chopra and Daryl Murphy.