Town boss Mick McCarthy says loanee Luke Varney has been offered the use of the Blues’ medical facilities while he recovers from the ruptured achilles he suffered in last Saturday’s 1-1 Championship play-off semi-final first leg draw with Norwich City. The 32-year-old, who McCarthy plans to talk to about a contract with Town once he's fit, was forced off after 31 minutes and now faces at least six months on the sidelines.

“He snapped his achilles, he was operated on in the week by James Calder up in London, who I can highly recommend because he did my ankle,” McCarthy said.

“It was a success, he’s done it, it’s fine. He’s now laid up and it’s going to be quite a while before he’s doing anything.

“It’s very sad and sad he can’t be with us on Saturday. Hopefully he can be with us at Wembley. Let’s hope that’s the case.”

Despite Varney having been on loan from Blackburn, who are contractually responsible for getting the striker back to fitness, McCarthy says Town owner Marcus Evans has given the OK for the former Leeds man to recuperate with the Blues.

“I’ve already spoken to Marcus, we’ve agreed to look after him and he can come and stay down here and we’ll make sure he’s fit,” he added.

“He’s got all our facilities and the medical care and attention we’d give to any one of our players. He won’t be our player but we’ve got to take care of him.

“We’ve already agreed that so hopefully he’ll take that offer up and then, when he is fit, we can discuss doing something with him, if that’s what he wants to do.

“Primarily it’s a thank-you to him for what he’s done and what he’s brought since he’s been here.

“He’s been great, he’s a super fella. I always thought he was my type of player when he played against us and he’s lived up to my expectations and I think the lads were really disappointed that he had such a nasty injury.”

As for the fitness of the rest of his squad ahead of Saturday’s play-off second leg, McCarthy says Luke Hyam is the only player who will miss out.

“Luke Hyam is training but he’s nowhere near fit enough to be involved,” he said. “But it’s great to see him back out on the training ground.

“His concentration’s got to be on getting fit and being ready to go at the start of next season now. He’s been training all week and you can see he’s getting fitter and stronger, which is nice to see.”

The Town boss says David McGoldrick, who was back on the bench on Saturday after his thigh problem, is keen to get involved again and is looking sharper.

“He was disappointed that he didn’t get a chance last week but it wasn’t the game for him," the Town boss continued. "We weren’t the dominant force looking to get a goal.

“Having had Reg [Varney] go off and we had Bish, who was struggling at the end of the game, I needed players at full tilt, not someone who might be knackered after 10 minutes.

“But he’s different, he’s had another week’s training and he’s looking really sharp. He’s ready to go.”

Photo: Action Images

Warkys_Tash added 20:51 - May 14 I agree with lots of the above & believe Marcus Evans has been good for this club & with hiring Mick, things are getting even better. I do have a concerned that should we manage the impossible dream & get promoted come 25th May, Marcus may want to turn his debt into instant profit. Would hate us to be sold like some of the others clubs, i.e Tan & Cardiff! I am grateful we have a decent, sensible owner that let's the Manager manage

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bluesince84 added 20:58 - May 14 Mt Evancampo, what planet are you on, Varney might not be on the pitch for a while but that gesture restores the soul of the club, of which we are once again proud. Players will look at town in future and say ' thats a club that will do the right thing by me' which is a consideration on potential moves. And Hyam, did you read the article numb nuts, hes not fit. ok he may make a tackle in the 3rd minute, but then be absolutely knackered for 87. Bet you loved it when Keane was at the helm. Rant over. Good luck in the 11 plus.

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Reecex28 added 21:19 - May 14 Form is temporary , CLASS is permanent
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KiwiBlue2 added 23:31 - May 14 Looking and sounding more like the Ipswich of old. Its great that MM has sorted out and moved on the loafers and troublemakers that Jewell accumulated. However I do give Jewell credit for recommending MM to Evans and a couple of good signings. I think that the club is in the best shape for a long time ..... onwards and upwards the Town
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coolcat added 22:45 - May 15 A Manager who knows his team inside out. That's a winning formula in itself.
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