Midfielder Luciano Civelli was back in training for the first time in 15 months when the Blues returned to Playford Road for the start of their pre-season programme this morning. The Argentinian was stretchered off in the 1-1 draw against Burnley at Portman Road in March 2009.

Boss Roy Keane says the 23-year-old, who spent much of last season recuperating in his homeland, has been given the OK by his doctors: “Luca should be training today, I spoke with him in the last few days. He came in last week.

"Medically, he’s been given the thumbs up to get back into full-time training.

“Like every other player in pre-season we’ll gauge it, but he could be the surprise package, although he has been out for a long, long time and if we are going to be a little bit patient with any of the players, then he’ll be the one.

“But, as I say, he’s due to train with the rest of the players and we’ll look forward to it because, seeing the video clips, he looks like he could be a good player, but he’s come back from a pretty bad injury.”

Civelli joined Town for £1.1 million from Banfield in Argentina in January 2009 and made eight appearances before suffering his injury.

Also back training with the Blues for the first time in a year this morning was striker Kevin Lisbie, although the former Charlton and Colchester man joined the academy group including the likes of Josh Meekings and Josh Carson rather than the senior squad.

The 31-year-old, who is contracted to the Blues for another season, recently said that he was interesting a number of clubs, with Millwall previously having made their interest public.

Photos: James Ager

Photo: Action Images

16_Jack_ken_16 added 07:34 - Jun 29 wellcome back big boy cant wait to see you
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slowerball added 08:10 - Jun 29 My name is Luca, I live on the second floor... Let's hope this boy gets match fit quickly. Big miss last year, was getting better every game.
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dobbie73 added 08:14 - Jun 29 "My name is Luca, I live on the second floor... " Like it Slowerball, lol! Great news - let's hope Luca (from whichever floor) gets match fit as soon as possible to give us an extra dimension on the pitch.
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randomblue added 08:57 - Jun 29 brockleyblueboy - wise words! Lasat season I think Priskin was lacking service, thus goals, thus confidence! (I'll await the backlash on that one!) It could be like two new signings! Moaners - sod off - we haven't even kicked a ball yet! Give them a chance! Brockleyblueboy - I hope you and the geordie security guard are enjoying the sunshine!
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jas0999 added 09:37 - Jun 29 Good news.
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