Fit-again Town defender Tyrone Mings is hoping for a first team recall in Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at Southampton, the club that released him in 2009.
Mings has been absent for three games, during which time Jonny Parr has proved a more than adequate replacement, and is itching to return to action at St Mary’s.
He was sidelined by an infected toe that caused him to miss the wins over promotion rivals Middlesbrough and Brentford, then despite being available for Tuesday’s home victory over Charlton he was on the bench as manager Mick McCarthy took the decision to again play Parr in the left-back role.
Mings, 21, said: "The toe’s alright. I had a bit of a problem with my ankle for a couple of weeks after that and I think it was because of the way I was walking as I was trying to protect the toe. I strained my ankle but now it’s all fine.
"The season’s gone well so far but obviously it’s a team game. Jonny’s come in and played well in the couple of games for which I was injured. I guess the manager thought it was only fair to carry on playing him and I’ll have to wait for my chance to get back in.”
McCarthy’s men have been sweeping all before them in the Championship, losing just once in 20 league games to climb to second spot in the table, but they will be regarded as underdogs visiting a club currently sitting fourth in the Premier League and fresh from a home win over Arsenal on New Year’s Day which was witnessed by the Town boss.
Mings added: "I’ve never been back there since and I only ever played there once when I was there. It will be a good test. They are doing well in the league and they have good players, although I don’t know what kind of team they will play. But whoever plays they will be strong and I think it will be a good game.
"As the manager says, we will just take every game as it comes. I know it’s a bit of a cliché but when you’re playing a team like Southampton there’s no point thinking ahead to the following week.
"That’s not our job to do that — it’s the manager’s job. We just go out, play and give our all in any game we are selected to play in.
"I think the pressure is all on Southampton. We’ll just go out and play our normal game. I know we’re taking a big following but Southampton will have the majority of fans and they will be the ones expecting a win and expecting to go further in the competition.”