David McGoldrick, Tom Lawrence, Emyr Huws, Kieffer Moore and Teddy Bishop are all back in training ahead of Saturday’s crucial home game against Birmingham City, while Jonny Williams and Dominic Samuel are available for selection having featured for the U23s during the international break.
McGoldrick and Lawrence pulled out of international duty with the Republic of Ireland and Wales due to knee and groin problems respectively but have both been out on the training field, although the former seems a more likely starter on Saturday.
"Didzy has trained, he’s fine,” manager Mick McCarthy said. "He missed the week but he came out and did a bit Monday and he’s joined in fully since then and he’s OK.
"Tom Lawrence has been out on the grass running today but not joined in, but we’re far more optimistic about him going forward.
"Emyr Huws [who missed out on Wales duty with a hamstring injury] has joined in training today, Teddy Bishop [who had a groin problem] has joined in in training. I’m not saying they’re all fit to start a game in the Championship but it’s nice to have them out training with us.”
Moore missed the 3-1 defeat at Cardiff a fortnight ago with a groin problem but is OK, as is on-loan Reading striker Samuel, who has featured for the U23s having overcome his broken toe.
"Kieffer’s trained, he’s fine and Dominic is as well and he’s done really well, he’s been quite impressive in training,” McCarthy added.
Centre-half Steven Taylor has also continued to train following his hamstring injury.
Regarding Kevin Bru and Tommy Smith, who have been on international duty with Mauritius and New Zealand, McCarthy says one has already returned but the other won’t return until Friday.
"Kevin Bru is back but Tommy’s flight was cancelled or delayed,” he said. "There’s nothing you can do about that, you’re in the hands of airlines so he’s not back into Heathrow until two o’clock on Friday, which is disappointing but it’s one of those things.”
Regarding Williams, who has also featured for the U23s during the break, he added: "He’s back and he’s training really well. He’s in contention for the weekend.
"He’s somebody that can open them up, unlock a door, somebody with that little bit of magic. It’s lovely to have him fit again.”
Adam Webster and Luke Hyam (both ankle) remain sidelined, as does Giles Coke (knee), who has been told he can leave at the end of the season.