Cole Skuse has revealed how crocked Town team-mate David McGoldrick is managing to remain upbeat despite the likelihood that his season is over.
Midfielder Skuse also confidently tipped one of the other strikers in the squad to step up to the mark and compensate for the loss of such a key player.
McGoldrick, the club’s 16-goal leading goalscorer, was initially ruled out for 10 weeks after a scan revealed he had suffered knee ligament damage late in last week’s goalless home draw with lowly Blackpool.
But yesterday manager Mick McCarthy said the ex-Southampton and Nottingham Forest striker was more likely to be absent for a period of 12 weeks and if that is the case he is highly unlikely to feature again in the current campaign.
However, if Town were to close the five-point gap on sixth-placed Reading to grab the final play-off place, there is still a slim chance that McGoldrick could be fit enough to take part.
Skuse, 27, laughed: "Didzy’s milking it! He’s on his crutches and waiting for all the lads to open doors for him and get his lunch for him!
"No, he’s doing okay and he’s still walking around with a smile on his face. It’s just a big blow for him and for us really.
"His goals and stats speak for themselves. He’s been our main man this year. He’s chipped in with the most goals and got a few assists. It’s just one of those things — it’s football, it happens.
"We can’t mope about and say ‘We’ve lost David McGoldrick — that’s us done’. There are more than capable lads who have been waiting on the sidelines for their chance. I’m sure they’ll jump at that chance now and help us to carry on.”
Skuse was asked about the players vying to replace McGoldrick he replied: "Obviously Frank has played a few games, Tayls is waiting for a chance, Murph has been brilliant and I see he’s just got a call up for Ireland, which proves how well he’s doing.
"It’s not as if we’re scrapping around and having to drag in young kids. We have experienced pros here and they are more than ready to do a job.
"Sylvan is getting fit. I haven’t just missed him out on purpose by the way! He’s looking sharp. He can spin on a sixpence in a telephone box and get a goal.
"He’s a great finisher and has looked really good in training. I know he’s done extra bits in training to get himself sharp. He’s like the other lads who are waiting for their chance.”