Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that he expects to sign Ben Pringle on loan from Fulham before Saturday’s game at Bristol City – and that he wants to add a central midfielder to his injury-hit squad.

The Blues boss confirmed that winger Ryan Fraser is set to be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks with a hamstring injury at this lunchtime’s press conference, while he revealed that midfielders Cole Skuse (ankle, four-to-six weeks) and Giles Coke (four weeks) are also out.

Luke Hyam (calf) remains a major doubt for the trip to Ashton Gate, Jonathan Douglas will serve the final match of a his three-game suspension, while Teddy Bishop (hamstring/shins) and David McGoldrick (hamstring) remain long-term absentees.

“I’m trying to take Ben Pringle from Fulham, who was at Rotherham last season,” McCarthy said.

“I actually enquired about bringing him here this season (when he was out of contract) but I think the deal with Fulham was already done. I’m hoping to get him in, he’ll give us adequate cover down that side.

“He’s left-sided midfield player really. Let’s clear it up, he’s not Ryan Fraser. I’ve had that discussion with him today and he fully understands that.

“But he can give you that balance on the left-hand side, he can play narrow, he can play on the inside and he has a terrific left foot, he can put great crosses in. So if we’re playing with our strikers, they should get plenty of service.”

On the need for another midfield player, he said: “I’ve had a look but we’ve not got anybody in this week and we’ve enquired. Luke Hyam might be fit with his calf and Dougie has only got this game to sit out as well.

“Thankfully, we’ve got the one game and then we don’t have a game until Hull (Tuesday, February 23). We’ve got to make sure we take care of this one first.”

Pringle is set to join on loan for a month, with a view to extending his deal until the end of the season, and will wear the number 15 shirt during his time at Portman Road.