Midfielder Teddy Bishop remains determined to be involved in Ipswich Town’s promotion chase as he inches ever closer to his long-awaited return from injury.

The 19-year-old, who has not played a minute of competitive football this season due to hamstring tendon and shin splint injuries, has broken down on previous attempts to return to action but is now hopeful of being involved in full training in the next couple of weeks before stepping up his comeback with the club’s under-21 side.

Those setbacks have ensured the last six months have been as tough mentally as they have physically for Bishop but, with a return now in sight, the teenager is excited by the prospect of being able to help his side in their chase for promotion to the Premier League.

“Everyone says injuries are physical but the mental side has been the hardest for me,” he said.

“I’ve had a few setbacks and dealing with them and explaining to people that I’ve broken down has been really difficult.

“It’s been horrible having to watch the lads go out training and playing games and not being part of that.

“It’s been an accumulation of injuries that I’ve had. I had shin splints, trouble with my knee and I’ve obviously had the hamstring problems. I came back a bit early the first time I tore it and then it went again when I was getting close to playing again.

“We’ve got to make sure it’s 100 per cent right before I start playing games this time but I’m getting there.

“I feel I’m finally on the up. I did my first run yesterday and I’ve done a lot of strengthening work and I’m feeling good.

“Hopefully I’ll be outside with the others in the next couple of weeks and then get some under-21 football in me. My general fitness levels are pretty good so it will be just making sure the hamstring is right and then getting match fitness.

“We’ve still got a lot of games left and we’re pushing for the play-off places again. I just want to get back involved as soon as I can and hopefully I can play a part in us getting in the top six.”

David McGoldrick remains sidelined with a nasty hamstring tear, while both Luke Hyam and Luke Varney returned to action in December after long-term injuries of their own.