Blues boss Mick McCarthy is delighted to have Ipswich-born Luke Hyam back in his squad ahead of Sunday’s derby at Norwich and says the 26-year-old would have that “extra little bit in him” if he were to be involved against his hometown club’s greatest rivals.

Hyam, who has played two U23s games after recovering from a knee injury which he suffered in pre-season, is one of only two Ipswich-born players in the squad along with youngster Andre Dozzell.

“He’s travelling with us,” McCarthy confirmed regarding Hyam. “It’s great to have him back with a smile on his face, it’s good.”

Brought up as a Town supporter, Hyam sat with the Blues fans the last time the teams met in a regular Championship game at Carrow Road two years ago.

But despite the midfielder’s true Blue background, McCarthy says he’s unlikely to go around impressing the derby's importance on his team-mates.

“You’d love me to say yes on that one, I think,” the Blues boss said. “If he’s on the pitch then I’d guess he’d have that extra little bit in him.

“If he’s not on the pitch or not involved, no. He’s not going to be going round [doing that]. It’s not generally what people do. Footballers are generally pretty quiet and insecure.

“There might be a couple before the game in the dressing room that go around and rally the troops but in general the rest of them are pretty quiet individuals and are looking after themselves.

“That doesn’t bother me because I’ve been in dressing rooms with people who have got the biggest gobs and say everything in the dressing room and then we walk down the tunnel and, ‘Where the hell have they gone?’. You never hear them again, never see them.

“And then they come in the dressing room at half-time and they’re still shouting.

"I’m cool with Luke being a nice, quiet individual and when he plays he’s ultra-competitive, he’s a great kid and it’s great to have him back.”

While McCarthy has confirmed that Hyam will travel, he says he’s not yet fully fit after his lengthy absence, the nerve damage in his knee having required surgery in October.

“He needs the games, he played [for the U23s] at Crystal Palace on Monday and I watched him but he needs the games, he’s not played. They were his first two games since Cambridge in a pre-season friendly and as fit as Luke Hyam is, it’s tough to come back into that.”

Photo: TWTD

weevil added 16:44 - Feb 23 As much as I am a huge fan of Hyam (I've even walked his dog!) I hope MM doesn't rush him back into the starting 11. We've had some really good synergy with the current midfield setup, just wary that putting him in might rock the boat. Give him 30 minutes at the end maybe?
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cat added 16:46 - Feb 23 It's a shame as his one of our own, but I cannot see where his gonna fit in this season, specially with the form of our loan players, maybe his time will come next season if we do not secure any of them. If I remember correctly he was getting a bit of stick on here last season for his performances.
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Len_Brennan added 17:41 - Feb 23 I think this might be the first ever story about Luke on TWTD that hasn't contained the expression "The former Northgate schoolboy" ? Good to have him back fit.
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Jimmy86 added 17:46 - Feb 23 He adds bite and tenacity in midfield, but is a limited footballer. Now with Diagouraga, Huws and Ward doing well as a 3 in midfield and Skuse battling with Diagouraga for the more defensive role, which Hyman would be suited to, I can't see Hyman getting much of a look in. Mick tried to bring a more attack minded game to Hyams game, which he was just not suited to playing

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RegencyBlue added 19:16 - Feb 23 His limitations as a footballer are obvious, his passing is abysmal, and the last few times I saw him he was a red card waiting to happen. I certainly wouldn't be bringing him in for Sundays match!
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TimmyH added 20:39 - Feb 23 Unfortunately Hyam has seen better days at this club, his injury history over the last few seasons has been poor and as a few others have mentioned where is he going to fit in? Not sure when his contract expires but can't see it being extended.
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tractorshark added 22:11 - Feb 23 Surely spells the end for Douglas. Toumani, Skuse, Hyam all vying for one spot. Douglas won't make the bench soon. And Hyam is a fair way behind the other two as well.
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heathen66 added 16:52 - Feb 24 I do not believe that this is a match for Hyam. Should be currently 3rd choice behind 1st choice Diagouraga and possibly Skuse as the holding / defensive midfielder and Wards current form he should definitely not be dropped. Unfortunately having that 'extra bit in him' would result in another red card. Did not realise he is 26 years old, it is now or never for his Ipswich career...probably never tbh unless he is cheap !!!

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