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Williams, Bishop and Varney in Action as U23s Beat Southend - Ipswich Town News

Jonny Williams played 70 minutes and Teddy Bishop the full 90, claiming a goal, as Town’s U23s beat Southend United 4-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Playford Road earlier this afternoon.

Luke Varney, who played 45 minutes of the match, and Shane McLoughlin were also on target against a more youthful Shrimpers side, while both teams netted an own goal apiece.

Josh Emmanuel, Myles Kenlock and Conor Grant were also in the side, while Harry Wright was in goal.

On-loan Crystal Palace man Williams is on the way back from the ankle injury he suffered in pre-season and played 45 minutes for the U23s as they lost 3-0 at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

Speaking last week, manager Mick McCarthy was hopeful that if he came through this week’s two U23s games the Wales international would be in contention for the first team when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park a week on Saturday.

"He will play on Sunday against Liverpool at Portman Road and then we’re trying to get a game on the Wednesday, so if we do and he’s OK and he can compete in both of them, play in both then he’ll be all right for the Blackburn game,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy will also have been pleased to see midfielder Bishop play the whole game.

"I’ve been willing him to be fully fit and fit to play 90 minutes for the last 18 months almost,” the Town boss said prior to Saturday's game against Huddersfield.

"He’s just getting there and he’s doing all right and he breaks his bugle and he has to have it reset the night before [the Brighton game].

"It’s just been one thing after the other, but breaking his nose is a tiny little one, that’s not going to keep him out for any great length of time and I think he’s over that, so hopefully he can start.”

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