Ipswich Town have recalled teenage striker Jack Marriott from his loan spell at Woking following injury set-backs to David McGoldrick and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

McGoldrick underwent surgery on his cruciate ligaments after the goalless home draw with Blackpool on February 15, with the initial prognosis being that he would definitely be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

The 26-year-old was making a speedy recovery, but now needs further surgery after a set-back in his training. And with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake reporting another hamstring problem, McCarthy has decided to recall Marriott from his second loan spell at Woking.

The 19-year-old Town academy product has scored 12 goals at the Skrill Premier club to help steer them away from the relegation zone.

“He’s having an operation today on his cartilage,” said McCarthy, when asked about McGoldrick. “He’s now just getting ready for the start of next season. It’s a shame because he’d worked ever so hard. He’s been a fabulous professional in how he’s rehabbed himself, but his cartilage has just took a hit unfortunately.

“I feel sorry for him. I wasn’t hanging our chances on him, but it’s just a shame for him. It’s a knock-back, but he’ll be alright for the start of next season.”

Just goal difference keeps Ipswich outside of the Championship top six heading into their final four matches of the campaign. The Blues play at Watford on Saturday before hosting Bournemouth on Monday.

Left-back Aaron Cresswell was rested as a precaution for last Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Doncaster, but is set to go straight back into the team at the expense of Tyrone Mings.

Centre-back Tommy Smith has not trained this week due to a sore calf, but is expected to be fit.

– See tomorrow’s EADT and Ipswich Star for all the latest Blues news.