TEAM NEWS: Ebanks-Blake, Wordsworth and Loach will all start against Preston North End in the FA Cup
New Ipswich Town signing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake will make his debut tomorrow - Credit: Archant
Ipswich v Preston: Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Anthony Wordsworth and Scott Loach will all start in tomorrow’s FA Cup third round tie against League One side Preston North End at Portman Road.
The Blues boss is set to make sweeping changes to his side following the hectic Christmas schedule. He also confirmed that academy right-back Kyle Hammond, as well as the fit-again Stephen Hunt, will be in the squad.
“Dean Gerken has been feeling his groin for a couple of games now, he managed to get through the other night, but he won’t start. I would have started Loachy anyway though because he needs games,” said McCarthy.
“Tommy Smith has got a sore back and Murph (Daryl Murphy) got a thigh strain late on Wednesday when Didz (David McGoldrick) put him through and he had that shot. He felt it straight away.
“There’s three enforced changes.
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“Gerks and Tommy will be fine for QPR (at home, a week tomorrow), but Murph will need a scan.”
Rumours circulated this morning regarding midfielder Anthony Wordsworth joining League One side Rotherham on loan, but McCarthy says the out-of-favour midfielder – who saw a temporary switch to Preston fall through last month – is no longer available.
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“I’ve had a message from (Rotherham manager) Steve Evans and I’ve just tried calling him back to say, one; it wasn’t me who put it out and two; you can’t have him.
“He’s playing tomorrow, he’s involved in my squad. The way we’ve been playing with three midfielders will suit Woody more. I’ve had that discussion with him to knuckle down, pull his finger out and give me a problem by playing well tomorrow.
“Three in the middle has worked for us and he’s better playing in that system.”
McCarthy went on to confirm that recent signing Ebanks-Blake, who has just recovered from the broken leg and ankle ligament damage he sustained on April 1, will make his Town debut as a starting player.
The likes of Stephen Hunt (fit again), Tyrone Mings, Carlos Edwards and Frank Nouble could also come into the side for the visit of the fourth-placed League One visitors, a side who have lost just one of their last 15 matches.
– See tomorrow’s EADT for full match preview.
