Striker Brett Pitman will be back in the squad for Saturday’s home game against Cardiff City having been out of action since the end of September with an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old, last season's 11-goal top scorer, played for the U23s in Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield but suffered no ill effects, according to his manager Mick McCarthy.

“He came through the game the other night, he’s fine and he is in the squad,” the Blues manager confirmed.

“He brings a goal threat. It was difficult for him the other night because it was just his first game back but he got through the 90 minutes, he competed all the way through and was still going at the end and encouraging the others. It’ll be nice to have him back because he’s a good personality, he’s a winner.”

Aside from Tommy Smith (back), Luke Hyam and Giles Coke (both knee), who are all recovering after surgery, McCarthy says everyone else is fit with Christophe Berra expected to be over the knock he sustained early on at Bristol City when caught by Aaron Wilbraham’s late challenge, which saw the Robins skipper yellow-carded.

“Christophe’s got a nasty cut on his foot from what was a nasty tackle,” McCarthy added. “That’s causing him problems, but he’ll be OK, he’ll be fine to play, I’m sure.”

Photo: Action Images

Lukeybluey added 19:14 - Dec 8 Hat trick for Pits.
2

patthegimp added 19:36 - Dec 8 Lukeybluey Hat trick for Pits. I would settle for that even if we lost 4-3! Go Brett
0

Dissboyitfc added 20:02 - Dec 8 I like pitman, glad he's back! We have scored 17 goals so far this season joint second worse, relegation form if ever ive seen it. To those who marked me down, can you suggest who in our current squad is going to equal pitman from last season? As i said, sorry state of affairs!
4

dirtydingusmagee added 20:36 - Dec 8 Pitman potentially gives us the possibility of scoring, that has to be a positive,when all else is falling woefully flat.ive lost faith and am even losing interest, under present regime.Do i think we will get anyone to turn things around in January ? no.....unless its a new manager and ultimately a new owner,and neither looks like happening anytime soon .
1

Pilgrimblue added 20:58 - Dec 8 Well said Bobby P just because some of us are realists doesn't mean we don't support the team and want success. Pitman's return is very welcome BUT he needs to get match fit and for MM to play him with another strker. He's scored some very good goals but like many I'm not sure he'll get proper service. Doubtless MM will want hoof ball to continue!
2

OwainG1992 added 21:43 - Dec 8 Good to see him back! A much needed player for us up front. Also the negative people about this story. Grow the f*ck up! Why are you annoyed we have a striker back fit? You seriously p*ss me off! This site is being dragged down because of people like that! Fair enough hate big mick slag off the owner but a player coming back from injury? Grow up!
0

armchaircritic59 added 22:27 - Dec 8 I'd say, absolutely spot on Steve ITFC Sweden. Though i havn't been to a game for some time (for a number of reasons), it seems fairly obvious to me that if you can't (or won't) buy the appropriate players, then you simply must bring them through from the youth set up. A team made up of largely loanees is unlikely in general, (there are always a few exceptions) to play for the shirt. If i had my way (fat chance!) i'd do away with the loan system completely.

0

armchaircritic59 added 22:33 - Dec 8 I should have also added to my above post that i would bring back "reserve" team football with immediate affect, so that youngsters can gradually make the step up the ladder.
0

StavangerBlue added 23:15 - Dec 8 It will be an unchanged side then with a chance of Pitman on the bench. You wait for it.
0

ipswich1992 added 23:57 - Dec 8 Like pitman glad his back. Never nice to have such a long injury. Good luck to him. On the other hand hate McCarthy and his boring negative tactics and loving of his favourites. #dinoout
1

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls