Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is confident his side will still have enough firepower to beat lowly Wigan at Portman Road today in the absence of injured top-scorer Daryl Murphy.

The Championship’s 18-goal leading marksman suffered a calf strain in training on Monday and there is no time frame placed on his recovery.

David McGoldrick is available again following a two-game absence with a knee problem though, while recent signing Freddie Sears looks set to be handed his full debut.

“Murph is unfortunately out, but I tend to look on the positives in these situations – we still have good firepower up front,” said McCarthy.

“Didz (McGoldrick) scored all those goals last season and he could go on another run like that. He’s certainly looked sharp in training. Noel Hunt has been outstanding for us too.

“Freddie has impressed everyone since walking through the door. He was always going to hit the ground running because he’s been playing regularly and scoring regularly for Colchester.

“I think there’s more to come from him. He’s a really good player.

“Technically he’s very good, he makes good runs, he’s quick and has got a finish on him, no question. When he hits the ball he seems to hit it clean and powerfully. It’s for him to grab by the scruff of the neck.”

McCarthy has reiterated that no key players will be sold before Monday’s transfer deadline, while it is unlikely he will be making any permanent additions.

The Blues boss also revealed that Paul Taylor, a £1.5m signing by predecessor Paul Jewell, who has made just nine starts for the club in two-and-half years, will stay away from the club for the last six months of his lucrative contract.

“He’s not coming back here – full stop,” said McCarthy. Asked if a buyer could be found, or whether a ‘mutual agreement’ would be reached to terminate the players’ contract, he added: “I don’t know. Do you know what, I’m not that interested. Sorry, it’s not something I’m dealing with. He’s not involved and so I’ve left it with Paul and his agent.”

– See today’s EADT for full match preview. Follow @Stuart_Watson on Twitter for live match updates.