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Knudsen Fit as McCarthy Hints at Changes at Wigan - Ipswich Town News

Left-back Jonas Knudsen will be fit for Saturday’s away game against second-bottom Wigan Athletic having missed Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Birmingham with a tight hamstring.

"He should be back," Blues manager Mick McCarthy said. "I’m expecting him to be all right, that was the prognosis, he was only going to miss the one game.”

Myles Kenlock did well in the Danish international’s place on Saturday and McCarthy didn’t rule out sticking with the 20-year-old academy product, while also hinting that he could shuffle his pack.

"He played well, I was really pleased with him,” the Town boss added. "We’ll see, there might be a few changes. I’ll have a look.”

Midfielder Teddy Bishop has been ruled out for up to a month with an ankle injury, while Tommy Smith (back), Luke Hyam and Giles Coke (both knee) are all recovering from surgery, while Paul Digby (also knee) is out until January.

McCarthy admitted he was amazed to hear that Gary Rowett had been relieved of his duties at St Andrew’s only a day after the Blues’ visit with the Midlanders’ new owners subsequently appointing Gianfranco Zola as boss.

"I spoke to Gary yesterday, I rang him and he got back to me quite late last night,” McCarthy continued. "I just said to him, ‘Thank goodness we didn’t win’ tongue-in-cheek, of course.

"I said to him that I tend not to get surprised with what happens in football, but that did shock me.

"I guess if you’ve got new owners, they want to change it. I’m amazed, though. I’m astounded by it because I think he was doing a particularly good job.

"And he’s a really good guy, Gary, I’ve a lot of time for him. I said to him,’Enjoy your Christmas, you’ll get a job pretty soon’.

"When you’ve lost your job you don’t feel like that if you’re that person. He’ll get another job, he’ll be back in football PDQ, don’t you worry.”

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