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McCarthy to Give Players 90 Minutes at Charlton - Ipswich Town News

Town travel to Charlton this evening for their penultimate pre-season friendly (KO 7.45pm).

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Cambridge, manager Mick McCarthy said he plans to give many of his players 90 minutes this evening, having fielded a different side in each half of the games against Shelbourne and Barnet and after giving his players 60 minutes in either the Colchester or Cambridge matches.

"They’ll be getting 90 minutes, hopefully,” said McCarthy, who is taking a 24-man squad to take on the Addicks, who were relegated to League One last season.

"Whether that’s the team that plays [against Barnsley on the opening day] is another matter.”

He added: "I know the ones who are the gilt-edged ones I can hang my hat on and then there are others who are coming through, some kids who have done well, some who are probably developing.”

Despite having been unhappy that Town conceded a late equaliser at Cambridge, McCarthy is positive about the way pre-season has gone overall.

"They’re all fit, we’ve got no major injuries and we’ve got Didz [David McGoldrick] back, which is great.”

McGoldrick, who suffered a hip flexor injury early in pre-season, may be given his first friendly start this evening having come on for the last half hour at the Abbey Stadium, although the 28-year-old is unlikely to be amongst those playing the full game.

Summer signing Adam Webster will also continue his comeback from the ankle injury he suffered with Portsmouth at the end of last season. McCarthy has said the 21-year-old is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season.

Dean Gerken (hamstring) and Adam McDonnell (kick to the leg in training) again miss out, as they did at Cambridge, McCarthy having said their injuries aren’t too significant.

Giles Coke is yet to feature in pre-season having undergone knee surgery at the end of last term.

Tickets for tonight's match at The Valley, where the Blues have won their last four Championship games, are available on the turnstiles with adults seats costing £10.

Town complete their pre-season programme on Saturday when they face Belgian second division side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at Portman Road.

Probable squad: Bialkowski, Crowe, Chambers, Emmanuel, Knudsen, Kenlock, Webster, Berra, T Smith, Digby, Malarczyk, Skuse, Douglas, Hyam, Bishop, Blanchfield, Dozzell, Bru, Stewart, Murphy, Sears, Pitman, McGoldrick, McLoughlin.

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