No Town player is looking forward to the big kick-off more than fit-again midfielder Teddy Bishop.
Almost two years have passed since the Cambridge-born youngster, then just turned 18, was called up for his senior debut by manager Mick McCarthy and his early displays soon captured the attention of the Premier League clubs, with some speculative reports putting a £10 million fee on his head.
But a promising first season — one goal in 36 appearances — gave way to a hugely disappointing 2015/16 campaign when he was sidelined with persistent hamstring problems until April and only returned to first team action in time to make four Championship appearances.
No wonder Bishop is itching to go when newly-promoted Barnsley are the visitors to Portman Road tomorrow week to get the new season under way.
He said: "I played a few games last season but it was pretty much a write-off for me. I’m just looking to build on what I did in my first season — hopefully score some goals, get some assists and cement my place in the team.”
His brief return may have consisted of only four games comprising less than two hours of game play but Bishop, who turned 20 a fortnight ago, admitted: "There were times during the season when I thought to myself ‘I’m not going to play at all this season’ so it was a real bonus to get some minutes before it ended.
"Overall, however, it was an awful time for me, not only physically because mentally it was horrible too.
"But I’ve learned now and I’m stronger. If I do pick up a niggle I can manage it better now but it was a horrible year for me.
"Looking on from the sidelines was horrible, especially towards the end of the season when the results weren’t quite there and I was just wishing I could have been out on the pitch and helping.
"Injured players don’t tend to be good spectators. If the team’s doing well it’s good but obviously all you want to do is help the team.
"But it’s not much fun just sitting in the stand. I watched every single home game and it wasn’t nice because all I wanted was to be out there playing.
"My career has been a rollercoaster already but I’ll learn from the time I spent out injured and I’m stronger for it. I’ve had one good season and one off season, so hopefully the one coming up will be a good one.
"The fans have been really good and very patient with me. The manager was really good with me as well and said ‘If you’re not right you’re not right’.
"I’ve had good support from everyone and now they’ve got to the bottom of it I’m fully fit and raring to go again.”