x

Hyam and Coke Only Injury Absentees for Barnsley Clash - Ipswich Town News

Midfielders Luke Hyam and Giles Coke are the only players unavailable for Saturday’s Championship opener at home to Barnsley.

Hyam suffered a knee problem in the friendly at Cambridge, while Coke underwent knee surgery at the end of last season.

"The squad’s in good shape we’ve only had Giles Coke and Luke Hyam, who got the knock at Cambridge but he’s improving rapidly,” manager Mick McCarthy said.

"Giles, of course, had an operation and we’re hoping he’ll be fit before the window shuts.”

McCarthy says keeper Dean Gerken (hamstring) and striker Brett Pitman (toe) are both OK.

"They’ve both trained today, they’ve been fine,” he added. "We’ve got a fit, healthy squad, which is great having just completed a five or six-week pre-season.

"It’s nice to be in a position, it’s sad for Luke Hyam and Giles Coke, of course, but we’ve got a good squad fit.”

Striker David McGoldrick missed the first few pre-season friendlies due to a hip flexor injury and may only be considered for the bench on Saturday, although McCarthy was typically keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his team.

New signing Grant Ward is also short on games having had an injury in pre-season and also may not be ready to start on Saturday.

McCarthy confirmed that centre-half Adam Webster is fit enough to start having missed the early part of pre-season while he recovered from an ankle injury he picked up at the end of last season while with Portsmouth.

What to read next:

U21s Thrash Hull
Town’s U21s defeated their Hull City counterparts 4-0 at the MKM Stadium this afternoon.
Coventry City v Ipswich Town - Predictions
Have you predicted the Coventry score yet? Sixty-eight per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 27 per cent a draw and five per cent predicting a home win, but what do you think?
U21s at Hull
Town’s U21s are in action against Hull City this afternoon at the MKM Stadium, the scene of Saturday’s pulsating 3-3 draw between the two first teams (KO 3pm).
Taylor: It Would Be a Special Moment If It Happens
Town midfielder Jack Taylor admitted it would be a dream come true to play in the Premier League, but is not getting carried away ahead of a busy week with two big matches still to play.
Taylor: Massive Credit to the Manager and His Staff
Town midfielder Jack Taylor has sung the praises of manager Kieran McKenna ahead of the Blues’ final two matches of the season this week.
Leicester Claim Title
Leicester City claimed the Championship title following a 3-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale this evening.
Finidi Appointed Nigeria Head Coach
Former Town winger Finidi George has been appointed the permanent head coach of Nigeria.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Huddersfield Game Live on Sky
The Blues’ final game of the season at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday is among those being shown live on Sky Sports.
London Branch Meet-Up For Coventry Match
The London Branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club is inviting fellow fans to watch Tuesday’s live-on-Sky away game against Coventry City at the Brondes Age public house in Camden.