Mick McCarthy wanted to tell Cameron Stewart to ‘get lost’, but the left-winger has now been given a fresh start.

The 25-year-old arrived at Portman Road with pedigree in 2014 having previously come through the Manchester United youth ranks and moved to Hull City for £300k.

He has made just two substitute appearances – both in the FA Cup – in his two years at the club though and has had loan spells in League One with Barnsley and Doncaster.

Placed on the transfer-list, his Blues career looked over. However, now heading into the final year of his deal, he looks to be part of McCarthy’s plans again after impressing during last week’s training camp in Ireland and looking sharp during Saturday’s 2-1 pre-season win at Shelbourne.

“He’s come back fit, which, to be honest, is the first time he’s come back as fit and as lean as that,” said McCarthy.

“I’m saying nothing to you that I’ve not said to him and he knows that he wasn’t in any good shape.

“I think he knows I’d be justified in telling him to get lost, to stay away. But I’m not like that. If he shows a willingness to work and do what I want him to do then he’ll have a chance.

“You can see he’s got ability, we’ve all seen that from the start, so it’s a fresh start for him.

“If it is it’ll be great, I’ll be delighted. I’d sooner have a contribution from him, I’d not want him ostracised and gone elsewhere, I don’t with any player. But in the past that’s probably what he’s deserved. It’s up to him.”

After two seasons in which Stewart’s career has drifted, McCarthy believes the penny may have dropped.

“You hope so, I think it has,” he added. “It’s a prerequisite to come back fit and agile and lean and ready to go, and he’s done that this year. So, if he does that I’ll give him a chance.”