Town boss Mick McCarthy believes striker David McGoldrick can still have a big part to play in the remaining 10 games of the season. The 27-year-old is back in training having been out of action with a thigh injury since the Rotherham match at the start of February.
McGoldrick had only returned from a fortnight out with the knee injury which he suffered in the FA Cup replay against his former club Southampton a week prior to picking up his latest problem.
"Of course he can,” McCarthy said. "I was just asked whether it would take 75 points [to get in the play-offs], that’s still five wins in my view.
"It might be more this year, but I think we’ve all got each other to play. There’s still plenty to play for and Didzy might be involved yet.”
The Republic of Ireland striker, the subject of a £7.5 million Leicester City approach last summer, has been targeting Saturday’s live Sky game at Middlesbrough for his return, although McCarthy previously said that he felt that that match might come too soon for him.
However, the Blues manager says last season’s 16-goal top scorer, who has netted seven times so far this season, is back in training and is making progress.
"He’s looking a bit happier, smilier,” McCarthy added. "That’s what happens when you get off that treatment table. It’s looking more optimistic.”