Ipswich Town top-scorer Tom Lawrence will be back in the squad for Saturday’s home game against Brentford, while his Wales international team-mate Jonny Williams is closing in on a return to action.

Leicester loanee forward Lawrence, who has netted 10 times this season, sat out the 1-1 home draw with Leeds and 1-1 away draw with Norwich after receiving a two-game ban for an accumulative 10 bookings.

“Tom’s just had a bit of a problem with his ankle so he’s had to take care of that, but he’s trained today and he’s looked good – I’m sure he’s desperate to play,” said Blues boss Mick McCarthy.

Crystal Palace loanee Williams has been sidelined since requiring shoulder surgery on an injury sustained in the 3-2 win at Wigan on December 17. The 23-year-old is pencilled to play in next Monday’s U23s game against Bristol City at Playford Road (1pm ko).

“He’s trained for the last couple of days and has got a smile on his face, he’s pretty happy about himself, he’s feeling a lot better,” said McCarthy.

Midfielder Teddy Bishop was once again left out of the 18-man squad last weekend having come on as a substitute against Leeds.

“He’s just got a bit of a tight groin at the minute, so he’s not available. He may well train on Friday,” explained McCarthy. “Once he’s back and injury free, he’ll be ready for selection and we all know what a good player he is.”

Skipper Luke Chambers will continue to play through the pain caused by the cracked ribs he sustained scoring at Brighton, while McCarthy says Steven Taylor – who injured his hamstring in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa – is ‘progressing nicely’.

“He’s quite positive about it,” said McCarthy. “It was a real shame for him because I think he probably played a couple of weeks too soon having come here. He could have done with a bit more training and football.

“He did well while he was in the team and he’s been a really good influence around the place, very positive and he’s come to the games. I’ve brought him to the away games with us and I think he’s good to have around for the lads.”

McCarthy says another central defender, Adam Webster, will be over his ankle injury in time to start pre-season with the rest of the squad.

“When he first did it there was some suggestion that he might be fit for the last week of the season,” said the Blues boss. ““Well, unless he’s absolutely 100 per cent fit he won’t be involved at all and we’ll take the six or eight weeks they have off and make sure he’s ready for pre-season so we’re starting with a fit Adam Webster.”

Tommy Smith made his injury comeback, following back surgery last September, as a second-half sub last weekend. Luke Hyam, who has been sidelined with a knee problem all season, was part of the travelling party and is close to an Under-23 game.

Dominic Samuel (broken toe) and Giles Coke (knee) remain sidelined.