Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Dean Gerken will start in goal when the Blues take on Premier League Southampton in Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at St Mary’s.

Gerken hasn’t played since losing his place to former Saint Bartosz Bialkowski having suffered a groin injury in November.

McCarthy says he’ll be making a few changes to his regular starting XI: “I will but we’ve got a squad of 20 first-team players so I’m not bringing kids in or lads who have never had a game, but there will be a few.

“Gerks will play, that’s for certain. Bart’s been outstanding but I need Gerks ready to go. Bart could get injured in training and I’d need him to play against Derby, so I’ve got to keep him in tip-top condition, so that’s one change I’ll make, but that’s hardly weakening anything, is it?”

He confirmed that loan striker Conor Sammon is available with the Irishman one of several fringe players who have found it hard to break into the team in recent weeks.

“It’s difficult for a number of players to get in the team at the moment but certainly for Conor," McCarthy added. "The two lads we’ve got playing up front have been outstanding."

The Town boss says he has a fully fit squad for the trip to Hampshire: “Everybody’s fine, a full bill of health this morning, it was great.”

McCarthy also confirmed that Darren Ambrose is available with his short-term contract up on January 10th. The Blues boss has previously said that he wants to keep the 30-year-old, who has said he would like to stay at Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

martleshamitfc added 19:05 - Jan 2 Lengendofthephoenix - because Bent is on very high wages, past it and would not have the work ethic that MM demands!
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Cakeman added 19:22 - Jan 2 Could really have done without this game. Good to rest players for the league but winning is a habit and if we lose at St Mary's we need to make sure we get back to winning ways again straight away. PS not bothered about Bent going to Derby, I think his best days are long gone.
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Gazelle added 20:30 - Jan 2 Season 1960/1961. 10 league games unbeaten. then 3rd round FA Cup. Southampton away. Lost. 1-7. then. 😪 Finished Champions division 2. 😄 Same again maybe ?
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petermorris added 20:50 - Jan 2 Cripes Gazelle - that is impressive.
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rkl added 21:58 - Jan 2 I don't mind if McCarthy fields an understrength team on Sunday, with slippery hands Gerken in the side. Reminds me of how great it is to have a reliable goalkeeper again in Bialkowski. I wish Ambrose the best of luck, let it be with another Club (League 1 perhaps?). He most certainly hasn't impressed back at Portman Road, no pace or urgency, sadly.
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MedwayTractor added 23:06 - Jan 2 Peter Morris: Saints were 6 nil up at half time, so we drew the second half 1-1 !
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WindsorBlue added 01:33 - Jan 3 Bent is a player that needs lots of service. I think he could get it from McG but we need someone who can make their own goals too. I also don't think he would be the right fit. There is a reason he's been moved on from villa!
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