Town boss Mick McCarthy says winger Cameron Stewart remains firmly in his plans as the Blues prepare for their final pre-season friendly against Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at Portman Road on Saturday (KO 3pm).
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 following his release by Hull City.
The 25-year-old 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, at the start of pre-season training, McCarthy, whose squad is currently short of wingers, said Stewart could work his way back into his thoughts having returned to the club fitter than has been the case in previous summers.
And, with pre-season almost over, McCarthy confirmed that Stewart, who has a year remaining on his contract, is very much in his plans for the campaign proper.
"Yeah, he is this year, because he’s come back slim and fit and wanting to do it,” the Blues manager said after Tuesday’s friendly at Charlton. "I wouldn’t tolerate what he came back like last year. He knows that.
"He went out [on loan] and was never anywhere near my team. I’m not telling you now that I haven’t told you before.
"He’s come back in good shape and put two very good crosses in tonight. He is part of the squad and will be part of the team photograph on Thursday and it’s very much up to him to keep progressing and proving he should be around it.
"He’s got that bit of magic dust at times, that bit of wow factor. I’m not convinced it’s there all the time over 90 minutes, it’s hard to do it over 90 minutes, but in periods of games he does produce crosses.
"I think, like anybody, he likes to have an arm around him and a bit of confidence given to him. He’s had that this pre-season because he’s come back and shown me he wants to do it.”
McCarthy, Stewart and the rest of the staff and squad will be at the annual open day which takes place at Portman Road from 10am this morning (gates open 9.30am). Full details here.