Striker David McGoldrick and midfielder Teddy Bishop are back in the Town squad ahead of Good Friday’s crucial home game against Championship leaders AFC Bournemouth, but Jonny Parr and Kevin Bru are both doubts.

Full-back or midfielder Parr suffered a hamstring injury in the Bolton game, while midfielder Bru picked up a calf problem at Watford and was forced to miss international duty with Mauritius. Bishop missed the Hornets match with sore shins.

“Jonny Parr and Kevin Bru are both struggling, but Teddy Bishop’s fine,” manager Mick McCarthy said.

Better news is that McGoldrick and Darren Ambrose are back in training with the striker appearing likely to be amongst the subs against the Cherries, one of his former loan clubs.

“They’ve both been out, they’ve both trained very well, they trained today,” McCarthy added. “We’ve got games coming thick and fast so we need all the players back and it’s good to have those two back.

“They’ve a chance of being involved, within the squad, although it’s probably too early for Darren. He trained and then he had a little setback but he was back out today. Didzy’s been looking good. We’ll see. He’ll be in the squad.”

The Blues boss says it’s been frustrating for McGoldrick, who has been out of action with a thigh injury since the Rotherham game almost two months ago.

“He’s been gutted and I guess everybody connected with the club has a little bit,” he added. “I hate to stress on one player if he’s out because the other players who come in are important but he has been a real talismanic player for us when he’s in.

“He’s been such a talented player, Leicester came and bid huge money for him in the summer, that told you what other people think of him.

“To lose him was really tough and, of course, him and Murph have had a great rapport over the last two seasons. Hopefully, we’ll get him back for the next two games and it’ll be great.”

McCarthy has added Zeki Fryers - who will start at left-back in place of Tyrone Mings who is suspended for two games having reached 10 bookings - and Jonny Williams on loan from Crystal Palace and the Wales international is also likely to be on the bench.

“He’ll be involved but not as a starter,” the Town manager confirmed. “If you put him in as a starter he’d probably end up having to come off.

“As a substitute he’s got that happy knack, that great ability that he can come on and turn a game. He’s in the squad and we’ll see.

“He’s a bit like Didzy coming back, he’s a really talented player. Do you get the best out of them if they’re starting games when it’s a bit harem-scarem? When it gets stretched a bit those kinds of players get a bit more room.

“We will have to be patient with him and be careful with him because what we don’t want to do is get him injured.”

As for his goalkeepers, McCarthy says Bartosz Bialkowski will keep his place ahead of Dean Gerken, who was starting until he was knocked unconscious at Middlesbrough.

“I haven’t given it too much thought,” he said. “Bart’s been in, we’ve won a two games, he stays in the team.”

McCarthy is delighted that Noel Hunt is making good progress as he recovers from his knee injury.

“I hope he is fit before the end of the season and I hope for him because he’s out of contract,” he said.

“He’ll want to get training and to be playing if he can and, of course, if we extend our season by being in the play-offs and maybe the play-off final he’d be a nice one to have fit for us.”

Luke Hyam returned to training after the knee injury he suffered in January before the international break but has subsequently suffered a setback.

Meanwhile, McCarthy confirmed that trialists Kevin O’Connor and Dario Zanatta, who featured for the U21s on Monday, are moving on without being offered terms.

Photo: Action Images

classof81 added 14:13 - Apr 2 I like to think that we'll remain unchanged from Watford as we really were excellent that day. Perhaps the only exception being Sears in for Wood, and having Didz, Bish and Williams on the bench would be three great options to have if things aren't going to plan.
1

rickw added 14:17 - Apr 2 I'm expecting negative votes for this, but think it'll probably be our best chance! BialkowskiChambersSmithBerraFryersSkuseChaplowAndersonTabbMurphySears Substitutes: Gerken   Clarke   Hewitt   Bishop   Williams   McGoldrick   Wood    We know 2 things before we start - Bournemouth will control possession and we are stonger aerially.... This team is the sort of team Mick likes and not a team I would recommend, but knowing who we're up against if we try to out pass them we'll lose, so our best chance is to keep it tight and bombard their box every time we get a set piece in their half! If Bru and Parr are doubts then Mick usually doesn't take chances with them, if Bru is fit then I'd start him ahead of Chaplow

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hoppy added 14:23 - Apr 2 That would be an incredibly good bench to have. Let's hope we can keep everyone fit now and have this kind of strength in depth and different options available for the run in.
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PJH added 14:26 - Apr 2 Great that McG looks like being back in the 18,welcome back Didz. We have a very good squad. Your team looks fine rickw except I think Varney will/should be involved,even if only on the bench.If Parr is doubtful I do not think he will be in 18.
4

LowstBlue added 14:28 - Apr 2 Beat me to it PJH - I feel Varney will be in form the start, if as rickw says MM is looking to use the aerial advantage. Would like to see Bishop start, but I can't see it.
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rickw added 15:10 - Apr 2 Can't see Mick playing Varney in midfield, so it could only be Varney in for Sears? I did want to put him on the bench as he's done well recently, but I can only see it done if we have just 1 defender on the bench
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bluefeast added 15:22 - Apr 2 Going to be very interesting , i don't expect us to beat bournemouth but a point and then 6 more games will not be the end of the world. Remember though we are not playing Chelsea ,Man city ,arsenal etc etc ,this is a championship game with very little between the two sides in terms of results ,totally different styles let the fun begin.. Cant wait
1

granadablue added 15:24 - Apr 2 Don't think Wood will play as he's just had to travel to Korea for a friendly match, he may be sacrificed to make space for Varney either in the team for Sears or on the bench.
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jas0999 added 15:39 - Apr 2 All of a sudden the squad is looking strong again. Importantly we will have at least a couple of real impact players - game changers- on the bench if needed. Looking forward to the game tomorrow. Let's hope for a win.
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Len_Brennan added 16:00 - Apr 2 I think rickw, PJH & LowstBlue have pretty much got the sense of what we can expect. Varney will be in the squad though as he has been very useful and puts himself around, which definitely appeals to Mick. Bournemouth are a hugely impressive side going forward & reading Harryfrombath's most recent excellent preview/article, it is clear that they see their strenghts out wide, where both wingers & full backs attack. We have a new left back who, despite having a good pedigree, has not played with his fellow defenders before and will be vulnerable. On the other side we have a centre half who has been exposed by pacey & talented wingers on occasions. Chambo will be in for a tough evening on Friday. For those reason we have to provide cover for both. Anderson is our best bet to help out Chambo by tracking back on the right, while we all acknowledge that Tabb works his socks off, if not always creatively, for the team and could be needed on the left side of midfield. A fit Stephen Hunt would be an option in that role also. Smith & Berra will need a lot of help from Skuse and with Bru doubtful & Tabby likely to be on the left, Chaplow is a very good shout to start in the middle. I's expect our 3 real creative options, Bishop, Williams & McGoldrick to be introduced from the bench in the second half, if & when we need a goal. We cannot go 'caution to the wind' attacking 4-3-3 against Bournemouth, because they will score goals against us in that formation. We have seen what has happened to some teams who have played them in an open attack-minded manner. A similar score to what happened v Middlesbro would be a disaster for us, pointswise, goal differencewise & confidencewise at this important stage of the season. A 1-0 win would be a bloody great result & set us up nicely for the last 6 games.

8

TractorBoy666 added 16:02 - Apr 2 Loving the look of the squad again, all getting back fit just in time for the run in. Here's to a very nervy last 7 games! Noel Hunt scoring a last minute winner in the play off final, I can see it now...COYB
1

StowTractorBoy added 16:15 - Apr 2 That is a top post Len Brennan and completely agree with your thoughts. No one has mentioned the goalkeeper which for me is a worrying position for us. Bart does not fill me with confidence but although I believe Gerks is slightly the better he is also very prone to error. A long time since we have had a top class keeper. Very tough ask tomorrow but would love us to wipe the smirk off Eddie Howes' face and silence the fans of a Club who in the past have been just a name on a football coupon.

2

dirtydingusmagee added 16:25 - Apr 2 Its a scary game,so much at stake,if we can get a win it really will set the cat amongst the pigeons.Think there will be a lot of tension on and off pitch .Shame Bru and Parrwill not take part. GOOD LUCK LADS .COYB
1

RaymondovicBlue added 16:32 - Apr 2 I've seen the last three games v AFCB - two in Dorset and one at PR really not sure we can risk "stopping them playing" as a way to go. Last year at home we played the last 20 minutes with 10 1/2 behind the ball and it was amazing we didn't lose as they battered us I'd not suggest any gunho 433 but we have the squad for the 4 2 3 1 which is a 451 when needed ... but please not for half the game As an aside - it is GREAT and refreshing to read people being positive about the possible selection of Ando and Tabb instead of slating them .... they will do a job if called upon ! And they will do it well for the badge as will all EXCELLENT to have such a strong "game changing" bench - this is really where we have lost out since Christmas - no Impact from the bench - but WE HAVE IT NOW AND WE ARE COMING FOR YOU !!! COME ON YOU BLUES

3

marshallmania added 16:43 - Apr 2 Come on Town! Really positive we can get a win tomorrow. Great squad available and just at the right time! 7 wins and we're champions:)
1

christiand added 16:57 - Apr 2 Rickw think you have got the starting XI for tomorrow! Though they are an excellent side Bournemouth don't like it up 'em. We need to be on them from the start to stop their tippy, tippy passing style. If I was MM, I would've been practising the delivery of set pieces with Anderson taking rather than Tabb, he does have quality with his delivery. Really feel Bournemouth have a weakness at crosses and generally from set pieces. COYBs!!

2

tractorboy12341234 added 17:46 - Apr 2 Bialkowski, Fryers, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Skuse, Tabb, Chaplow, Sears, Varney, Murphy - Bench: Gerken, Hewitt, Clarke, Bishop, Williams, McGoldrick, Wood (unlucky for Anderson)
0

carlo88 added 18:01 - Apr 2 Midfield and attack is looking much better now, worried about both full backs now though, especially against Bournemouth. Palace fans weren't being particularly complimentary about Fryers.
1

Michael11 added 18:05 - Apr 2 I'n delighted to see McGoldrick back in the squad. I criticised him a lot in his last 3 or 4 games pre-injury but now he'll hopefully be invigorated and motivated than back then. Plus, with Sears making a big impact in his absence and the return of Jonny Williams, he'll have to fight for his place like he hasn't had to do here before.
1

unknown100 added 18:46 - Apr 2 Please please just play 433 we are so much better and I think the watford game proved that, think everyone is going to be very surprised about how good fryers is
0

barrysandals added 18:52 - Apr 2 Great news on Didz and Bishop. Love to see us go at them. Bart Chambo Smith Berra fryers Skuse Tabb Sears Didz Wood Murf Bring on Williams for Didz after 60, Varney on for Wood, Bishop for Sears.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 18:56 - Apr 2 Sorry but Williams MUST start. We are at home... Bialkowski, Chambers, Smith, Berra, Fryers, Skuse, Chaplow, Sears,Bishop, Williams, Murphy Bench: Gerken, Hewitt, Clarke, Tabb, Varney, Wood, Ando
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muccletonjoe added 21:39 - Apr 2 Williams won't start. Defence we know from what mmhas said, just leaves midfield and strikers, which I think will be Skuse, tabb, chaplow, Bishop, sears and murphy
1

KiwiBlue2 added 00:52 - Apr 3 Ideally I would like to see either Bishop or Williams to start. It would give us a bit more threat with one of them behind Murphy and Sears with the other one coming on in the second half. However I suspect that Mick will have Anderson , Chaplow, Skuse and Tabby in from the start. I prefer us not to be chasing the game if B'mouth score early and would rather that we got the lead early on. I think that we have the players to match B'mouth and should not be starting out in a defensive mode as that will help to get B'mouth on the front foot.........we need to pose a decent threat from the get go.......

2

blue added 01:04 - Apr 3 Ok we at home, home is our fortress 3-1 to us up up we go !
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