Defender Damien Delaney was delighted to make his return from injury yesterday in the reserves' 2-0 home defeat to Oxford United. Delaney has been out of action since the end of last season, first with an ankle problem then with a thigh injury.

Having recovered from the ankle problem, the Irish international suffered compartment syndrome in his thigh in pre-season training in July, an injury which can potentially lead to serious muscle damage and even the loss of a limb.

Fortunately, surgeons at Ipswich Hospital attended to the 29-year-old quickly and Delaney is now delighted to be back in action: “I’m pleased just to be able to put on a jersey and go out and play football at a competitive level again because when you throw in the ankle injury at the end of last season, it’s been the best part of five or six months since I’ve played football.

“I’ve got a little bit to go yet to get my feel back and that sharpness that you’re looking for. Obviously, if the manager asks me if I’m ready, then I’m ready, but realistically I think it’ll only be if needs must and the lads are doing well at the moment.

“In a way that’s good for me because there’s no mad pressure for me to get back involved. I can have a few reserve teams games and a few weeks’ training. I’ve only been training a week, so to play 45 minutes was a massive bonus.”

Delaney says he could have played more than just the first half yesterday: “I was delighted to come through it with absolutely no problem whatsoever with the injury, so onwards and upwards from here.

“I would have happily played on but being realistic the medical staff know best and I was more than happy just to get on the pitch.”

Also making his return was Argentinian midfielder Luciano Civelli, who impressed his team-mate: “Luca’s fine. Luca looked quite good, quite sharp. I think he’s in the same boat as myself, trying to find that little bit of match pace.”

The duo are likely to be involved in next Wednesday’s reserves game against Colchester at Maldon Town (KO 7pm).

Meanwhile, today sees the announcement of the Championship Manager of the Month award with Roy Keane amongst those short-listed.

Elsewhere, former Blue Gavin Williams has rejoined another of his old clubs Yeovil Town on loan from Bristol City today.

Photo: Action Images

trulyblue added 09:19 - Sep 9 I always quite liked Gavin Williams, technically very good, pity about the injuries..... Quite a good poker player too !
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TractorRoyNo1 added 09:48 - Sep 9 it will be good to have these two back in the 1st team squad
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Back_The_Boss added 09:50 - Sep 9 Good to have Delaney back in the team. Smith deserves his place at the moment. COYB!
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DanLyles added 10:10 - Sep 9 I hope that Civelli will be back pushing Townsend all the way for the left wing berth. Ditto Delaney and Smith for the left sided centre back role. If we get McPhail in to bolster midfield options and Quinn back from injury then the centre of the pitch is well catered for imo. I am concerned, however, about the right hand side of our team. Peters and Edwards is a great right wing axis but what about if one of them gets injured? Ok Priskin could do a job on the right side of a 3 but is much happier up top as part of a two. Peters could fill in there but he is also lacking cover at rb. I would bring in Kyle Naughton on loan from Spurs. He is a very quick and attack minded full back who can also play right wing. Redknapp has declared that he is available plus it would be great for both him and Townsend as they know each other.

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corshamblue added 10:44 - Sep 9 ^^ Good Call about Kyle Naughton, not sure about Quinn or McPhail. Thought they'd be more news on the Loan front ahead of today, silly me to get excited. Great to see Delaney and Lucca coming through the Reserve game - even if we did lose 2-0
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robdaful added 11:09 - Sep 10 Good to see you're comming back from injury
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