Town target Angelos Charisteas was back in action on Sunday in a friendly against Birmingham City, despite previously being ruled out for the remainder of Nuremberg's pre-season training camp in Austria.

Charisteas, who twisted his knee in training on Saturday, came on as a second half sub as his side lost 2-1 to Alex McLeish's team.

The Greek international's appearance was such a surprise after the previous day's concerns regarding his injury that head coach Thomas Von Heesen joked with the press about "miracle healing" after a secret trip to Lourdes.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls