Ipswich can cope without DJ Campbell if the 10-goal loan striker doesn't return from his parent club QPR, according to his Blues strike partner Daryl Murphy, who says Michael Chopra now has a chance to re-establish himself in the side. Campbell is due back in training with Rangers today ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against West Brom at Loftus Road.
Murphy, who has netted five times this season, said: "You have to have players who can step up when required. Basically, DJ has been scoring all the goals for us but we know Chops can do that too.
"He’s done it at every club he’s been at. He just hasn’t had so many chances recently because we’ve been playing so well and the gaffer has stuck with the same team.
"There’s more to our squad than the starting eleven. I’ve been in the same situation as Chops, as recently as last year, when the team was on a run and I wasn’t even getting on the bench.
"I know how frustrating it is and every time you get a chance you have to do your best. It’s happened for me with the gaffer — I was on the bench for a while and it’s not nice when you’re not playing.
"You’re pleased when the team wins but more than anything you want to be out there. It’s about working hard and taking your chance when it comes. I nicked a few goals as a sub and got back in the team.
"You just have to stick at it by working hard in training and trying to impress the gaffer. He looks for that sort of reaction from players and I think we’ve got a good bunch of lads here who do that. If Chops gets his chance it will be up to him to grab it and I think he definitely can.”