Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is mulling over several centre-back options and says his next signing won’t necessarily be a short-term fix.

The Blues boss had declared himself happy with his squad, following the addition of striker Martyn Waghorn from Rangers last week, but has been forced to dip into the transfer market following yet more bad injury news.

Tommy Smith (hamstring) has joined Adam Webster (ankle) in being sidelined for at least eight weeks and McCarthy does not want to play versatile full-backs Dominic Iorfa, Jordan Spence or Jonas Knudsen centrally for a prolonged period.

“We’re looking to get somebody in,” said the Blues boss. “(Owner) Marcus (Evans) knows we need someone. I didn’t have to make the call to him.

“I have loads of players in mind, but whether any of them come is another matter. As usual we’re doing our due diligence and being very thorough about it. We’ll get somebody.”

Town have had a whole host of defenders offered to them ahead of tomorrow night’s Championship game at Millwall (7.45pm).

“Sometimes it can drive you mad because you get complete and utter nonsense sent to you, but you also get some good ones too,” said McCarthy. “There are some we’ve thought about and we have some good options.

“The right player might not be available on a half-season loan. It might be somebody who is out of contract and wants a 12 month deal. I don’t know.”

Asked if a potential signing might be put off by the fact they may be seen simply as short-term cover, McCarthy replied: “That’s up to the player. If they come here, play well and we’re winning then I won’t put Adam Webster or Tommy Smith straight back in. I’ll pick the best team.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss is ready to make-do-and-mend in midfield. Grant Ward is available again after missing Saturday’s 2-1 win at Barnsley with a sore calf, but Flynn Downes (bruised foot/calf) is a doubt for the game at The Den as Town aim to make it four successive wins.

Emyr Huws (Achilles) is hoping to be back in full training on Thursday, while Luke Hyam played 45 minutes for the Under-23s yesterday. Those two are both targeting a return to first-team action in the Carabao Cup second round tie at Crystal Palace next Tuesday.