Boss Mick McCarthy says midfielder Anthony Wordsworth is still very much in his plans despite having missed out on a place on the first team bench in recent matches and also having been left out of the U21s side which drew 1-1 with Bristol City last week.
McCarthy, who bought the 24-year-old from Colchester for £100,000 in January, says Wordsworth has dropped out of the matchday squad to allow Jack Marriott to come into the 18.
"I’ve just put another striker on the bench, so somebody had to sit out for it,” he said. "I’ve got Tabby and Tunners and I’ve got midfield players on [the field].
"He played in the U21 game the week before, so we just gave him some extra work in terms of physical work. It’s worked well. He’s not out of favour for any reason, I just wanted to put somebody else on the bench.”
The Blues boss says Wordsworth, who has scored one goal in two starts and seven sub appearances for Town, two of the latter this season, was unlucky to miss out on last week’s U21 match: "I can only play three [outfield] overage players.
"Carlos didn’t play against Millwall [in the previous week’s U21 match] and nor did Tabby. Frank did, but Frank is the next in line to play.
"So, if you analyse that, the ones that really needed to play, needed to have 90 minutes, were Carlos, Tabby and Frank because he’s the first port of call.
"Murph’s had a bit of a groin problem, if he’s not playing, Frank’s my next shout. Woody isn’t really. He’s got to make himself that, hasn’t he? But he’s had a couple of double sessions and worked hard.”