Mick McCarthy has conceded it’s getting to the point when Teddy Bishop’s chances of playing this season need to be written off.

The young midfielder hasn’t played a minute of first-team football due to hamstring and shin splint trouble this season, with a couple of set-backs derailing hopes of a return.

While McCarthy would love to be able to call upon one of his most creative players, the Ipswich boss accepts time is running out for the youngster to see the field before the end of the campaign.

“It’s getting that way,” McCarthy said, when asked if it was nearly time to write off Bishop’s chances of playing.

“We’ve not got that many left. He’s not going to be available before the international break and we’ve only got eight after we come back.

“It’s looking like a season written off.”