Mick McCarthy is hopeful that Jay Tabb will be fine to be involved in Tuesday’s home game against Crystal Palace, despite being substituted in the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Hull City with a knee injury. The Blues also have doubts over Lee Martin, Patrick Kisnorbo and Aaron Mclean, while Michael Chopra will be fine.
McCarthy says he is pleased with Tabb’s progress: "He’s recovered pretty well. The swelling’s gone down and he’ll be fit for Saturday, fully fit, and I’m hopeful he’ll be OK for tomorrow as well. He’s quite optimistic.”
Michael Chopra had ice on a calf problem after Saturday’s match but McCarthy is confident he’ll be fit for Tuesday: "Chops is OK.”
Lee Martin missed the Hull game having been ill and the Town boss says he’s picked up a niggle in training this week: "Lee Martin also rocked his ankle in training yesterday, so he’s not had the best of times with him being suspended and everything else that’s gone on with him. But it’s not too serious and I’m hopeful that he’ll be OK.
McCarthy, who said on Saturday he would weigh-up whether to make changes to his side with Palace not having been in action at the weekend, says one or two other players have also picked up problems in the last dew days: "Aaron Mclean got kicked on his toe yesterday and he’s been off for an x-ray. But there’s no break so maybe a painkilling injection can cure that.
"And Pat Kisnorbo’s gone home not feeling so well too, so it’s a bit depleted at the moment.”
Striker Paul Taylor remains the only long-term absentee as he recovers from the foot surgery which has seen him miss most of the season, while midfielder Josh Carson has returned from York due to a broken toe which will also keep him out of the rest of the campaign.