Cole Skuse thinks manager Mick McCarthy will have some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks, now that squad strength has been improved by players returning from injury.

On-loan Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser was back on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 win at MK Dons, while midfield colleagues Kevin Bru and Teddy Bishop are also close to returning to action, with the latter poised for what will be his first start of the current campaign.

Skuse said: “It will be a real headache for the gaffer. But I’m sure — even though he might not like me saying this — he is old enough and wise enough to know how to juggle things and how to go about the business of picking the side he wants. He’s got more than enough experience to deal with that.

“It’s great that Kevin and Teddy have stepped up their training because in my eyes they are both top, top players. It is brilliant for everyone that they are both back. Ryan has obviously returned as well and he’s not just good to have available on the field.

“He’s a dressing room clown as well so he has brought a smile to a few people’s faces in the mornings when he comes in — and not just for the clothes he wears!

“It’s great to have them all back and Luke Varney has been training with us as well. I’m not sure how close he is to maybe tying something up with the club but he looks really sharp, so it’s all going in the right direction.”

Meanwhile, Skuse has commented on his partnership with experienced colleague Jonathan Douglas, adding: “I’ve really enjoyed playing alongside Dougie. A lot has been made of the partnership and a lot has been blown out of proportion in terms of the partnership.

“I think me and Dougie have formed a very good partnership, which might not be the case in a lot of people’s eyes. We sort of bounce off each other well and he’s managed to get himself forward and score a couple of very good goals. He’s also a great person to have around the place; he’s a great pro.

“I think we’ve got a great balance this year. We’ve conceded a few more goals than we would have liked and last season I took a great deal of pride in the way we shut out teams, but in terms of a forward threat we look a really good one.

“We’ve got some very good forward players and it’s down to us to do our bit and help out the back four and the goalie in terms of keeping things nice and tight. We’d like to improve on it but I think we’ve done okay.

“It’s a fine line in football. You don’t want to go too top-heavy and score lots of goals but also leave yourself very open at the back.

“We had a great clean sheet at Milton Keynes because we really had to dig in for the last 10 to 15 minutes, which was highlighted by Jonas taking one right in the mush. It was a great clean sheet and a great away performance, and I think we have struck a good balance.”

Photo: Action Images

terryf added 13:41 - Dec 15 It will be interesting to see how the Manager plays this one, because he obviously likes a three in midfield and also up front. I would imagine if he wants to play Ryan then he will drop Ainsley to the Bench. I'm pretty sure he will not want to disturb the 3 up front. Skuse is pretty nailed on for the holding roll so I could see Teddy coming into the Team in place of Dougie, who would be unfortunate because he looks a different player going forward. Not sure where this leaves the likes of Didsy, because a fit McGoldrick is surely worth a place. Mind you there are plenty of games coming up, particularly against some tough opposition, so some extra quality on the pitch or coming off the Bench would be very welcome. We've looked abit thin in that Department recently. December will be crucial, but lets be optimistic and aim for the top two...why not it's definitely on if we can get the right results this month!

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ipswichtillidie added 13:58 - Dec 15 Fraser when fit has to play. Simple. Its a relief to see Bru and bishop coming back because our ball retention atm is shockingly poor and this can only improve with one or both in the midfield. Whilst I'm stating my opinion Sears is wasted out wide and For Xmas I want a Full backs! That's all pls Santa
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rickw added 14:40 - Dec 15 I'd like Mick to be brave enough to rotate players a bit over the busy xmas period - we know he demands a lot of the players, and it was after this time last year when our form went to shi....
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MattinLondon added 14:51 - Dec 15 Personally I favour a midfield three of Hyam, Bru and Bishop but I very much doubt if MM has this in mind
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afcfee added 15:05 - Dec 15 Hyam? Really?
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christiand added 16:28 - Dec 15 Fraser for me has to start he was absolute quality before the injury. If MM plays 4-4-2 then Sears has to be dropped to the bench. For all that unselfish play Sears does, he is not a midfielder and Fraser brings so much quality and balance to the side. It has shown, when he hasn't played, how one dimensional we are in midfield, he'll provide that additional spark that we have lacked recently.

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MattinLondon added 16:53 - Dec 15 Yes to Hyam - he does all the tackling and donkey work which Skuse does but has a lot more energy. True he is limited on the ball but that is why Bru and Bishop will be good in the middle. And also Skuse isn't a flair player with a range of passing at his dispersal. To me Skuse is a bit of a luxury player.
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