Out-of-favour winger Cameron Stewart was included in the Town squad which flew out to Ireland for the annual training camp at the Carton House Hotel in Co Kildare this morning, TWTD understands.
Stewart’s Town career looked to have ended before it had begun in earnest having made just two 2014/15 FA Cup sub appearances since signing for the Blues in the summer of 2014.
The 25-year-old, pictured above with Tommy Smith, Adam McDonnell and Cole Skuse, spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers after being made available in pre-season having been left out of the Ireland training camp. In April, Manager Mick McCarthy reiterated his intention to allow the Mancunian to move on.
However, last week McCarthy, whose squad is currently short of wingers, said Stewart could work his way back into his plans having impressed him with his level of fitness on the first day of pre-season training, adding that if the one-time Manchester United trainee impressed him during the rest of the week he would take him to Ireland.
"There’s been a bit of interest in him, but he’s done his bleep test and he’s come back really fit this time, so I didn’t have to fall out with him!” McCarthy said last Tuesday.
"If he’s of that mind and he wants to work hard and be involved in the squad and be fit then I’ll take him to Ireland and we’ll see because he’s got ability. But there has been a bit of interest in him.”
Asked whether the slate had now been wiped clean, he added: "Not quite a clean slate, clean-ish. He came back on the first day and did well, so that’s the first day, but he’s got a lot of work to do. I’d love him to do it and to be a success, but that’s down to him.”
Midfielder Kevin Bru travelled with the squad after being given additional time off having been away with Mauritius, while Daryl Murphy will join-up with his team-mates next Tuesday after they have returned from Ireland, following his time at the Euros.
Recent signings Adam Webster and Paul Digby also made the trip but Giles Coke remained behind as he continues his rehab after undergoing knee surgery towards the end of last season.
It’s understood one or two youngsters are likely to fly out to augment the squad ahead of Saturday’s first pre-season friendly against Shelbourne at Tolka Park, Dublin (KO 3pm) when McCarthy is likely to play a different XI in each half.