Midfielder David Norris says he’s not too far away from a first team return after coming through 60 minutes of yesterday’s training game unscathed. The former Plymouth man has been out of action since damaging knee ligaments on the opening day of the season.
Norris told the club site: "I can't wait to play again for the first team. I had a good run out and the knee felt fine. I've had no reaction at all, so that's great news.
"I had a few aches and pains generally when I woke up this morning because it was my first proper game since August, but everything is very positive and now it's about getting my match sharpness.
"Fitness-wise I'm not too bad. I've done various tests in training and I'm showing up pretty much at the same levels as in pre-season, but it's that match sharpness that you need and that only comes with training and playing games.
"I'm not that far away though and it's just down to the gaffer when he sees me as being available again but I'm desperate to be involved as soon as possible."
Last week manager Roy Keane said he expected Norris to be back early in January or perhaps as a sub over the Christmas period if he progresses more quickly than anticipated.
Meanwhile, Carlos Edwards says the players enjoyed their Christmas party in London at the weekend: "We had a great time, but we know as players we have to keep our eyes on the ball.
"On and off pitch team spirit must be good and we have that with a great bunch of lads.
"It is wonderful nights like Sunday that builds the unity that you need to have, but the bigger picture is to now move on and lift Ipswich Town into the top half of the table.”
Elsewhere, former Blue Fabian Wilnis has returned to playing football with amateur side VV Smitshoek having retired last summer: "I was planning to run a marathon and move away from football, but I have got the bug again.
"Because of the regulations I cannot play until January, but I have signed on and am looking forward to getting back out on the field again.”
Wilnis is back in Ipswich on Thursday evening signing copies of his book Full English in the Buttermarket from 6pm until 9pm. Signed copies of the book are also available from TWTD here.