Manager Mick McCarthy has revealed Andre Dozzell will start tomorrow night’s home game with Fulham.
The 16-year-old scored on his debut to earn the Blues a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, after coming off the bench at Hillsborough.
But McCarthy has confirmed today that the youngster, the son of former Ipswich player Jason, will start against the Cottagers.
“He’s had to have an operation to wipe the smile off his face and to get the coat hanger out of his mouth,” McCarthy joked after revealing Dozzell would start.
“Actually, he’s generally a smiley lad. He’s great, he’s enjoyed it and I don’t see any difference in him, he’s trained with us today and we’ll find out how that’s affected him because he’s playing tomorrow. He’s starting.”
Cole Skuse is likely to return after missing Saturday’s game with a stiff neck, but Daryl Murphy won’t be involved after suffering a reaction to a calf injury which could also see him miss Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough.
“The danger is for him (Murphy) as much as anybody,” McCarthy said.
“The European Championships are coming up, don’t get me wrong he wants to be playing for us, but there is a real carrot at the end of the season for him and I’d love him to go and enjoy it because it’s a wonderful opportunity.
“The temptation is to try and get back so you’re playing and you’re in everybody’s eyeline, but I think you just make sure he’s fit. If that’s for the last two games or last game, but hopefully he’s fit and he’ll be ready and able to go there.
“And he’s no good to us if he’s not fit anyway.”
Luke Varney will also miss out, while Ben Pringle is unavailable against his parent club.
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