Skipper Gareth McAuley is ahead of schedule as he recovers from the knee ligament injury he picked up in the final week of the season. The Northern Irishman could be fit enough to start pre-season training with the rest of the squad.

Physio Matt Byard told the club site: "Gareth has worked really hard to get back to fitness and he's ahead of schedule. He is doing straight running work and we will be looking to increase that with some multi-directional work.

"He still has a bit more to do yet and has to take part in ball work sessions but if he continues to progress, he should start pre-season training with the rest of the group."

McAuley is one of a number of players to have reported back at Portman Road ahead of the start of pre-season training proper in a fortnight's time.

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