Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy admits he did consider bringing Jonny Williams back to the club for a fifth loan spell this summer.

The Welsh international midfielder proved a massive hit during his first spell at Portman Road back in 2013/14, but a string of injuries limited his time on the field during subsequent temporary switches.

Crystal Palace have loaned the 23-year-old out for a seventh time, this time to Sunderland.

“He’s such a lovely young man and it was a pleasure having him,” said McCarthy, who started Williams just once last season.

Asked if he considered signing him again, he replied: “I always consider Jonny, always. He’d had his injuries though. It just didn’t seem like the right fit for either of us. I think he needed a fresh start.”

Williams could feature for the Black Cats at Portman Road tomorrow tonight after missing Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Cardiff through illness.