Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Tommy Smith will continue at centre-half when the Blues travel to Reading for Friday’s live Sky game, while Conor Grant is back from his groin injury and Leon Best is OK despite turning his ankle in the U23s game on Monday, but Luke Hyam could face surgery on his knee problem.

McCarthy recalled New Zealand international Smith for the Preston match a fortnight ago with Adam Webster dropping to the bench and the Blues boss says he will be sticking with the same defence against the Royals.

"Tommy’s playing, it’s the same back four," the Town boss confirmed.

Regarding on-loan Everton midfielder Grant, who has missed the last three games, he added: “He caught the eye in his first few appearances for the club. He played in the U23s here, the last couple of games, had 65 minutes in one and 80 in the other. He looks a constant threat.

“Technically he looks very good and he’s trained this week and it’s great, good to have him back.”

Recent signing Leon Best will be fine to take his place in the squad for the first time having trained after missing a couple of days as a precaution, but David McGoldrick and Jonny Williams (both ankle) still out. McGoldrick is expected to be back in early November and Williams in October.

Luke Hyam damaged nerve in his knee in the pre-season friendly at Cambridge and could go under the surgeon’s knife.

“We didn’t expect any of those three back for this weekend, so there are no surprises. Everybody else is fit,” McCarthy continued.

“Luke has got to wait, he went to see a specialist and he’s got to wait another two weeks. We’re still hoping that it’ll settle down, but if it doesn’t it will require surgery.

“But, as the surgeon says, he’s doing his job and due diligence, the last thing you want is to be opened up, so I think it’s a week on Monday, that’ll be the two weeks before he goes and sees him again.”

McCarthy says it’s tough on the 24-year-old who missed the first half of last season having undergone knee surgery during that summer.

“He gets very down with himself and we all try and help,” the Town boss said. “But all of us who have played know what it’s like when you’re injured and you’re not coming back and you’re looking for a fast fix, you just want somebody with a magic wand to say, ‘There you are, you’re all right’, and, of course, that doesn’t happen.

“He’s such a fit lad and he prides himself in being such, and a strong lad, that it does get him down.

“We gave him a bit of time off, he went away and at least he will have enjoyed that but he’s come back here now and he’s sat around doing nothing, so he’s back to square one, until a week on Monday or Tuesday when he sees the surgeon.

“If it’s improved significantly, we’ll carry on with what we’ve been doing, if it hasn’t it’ll be surgery.”

Photo: TWTD

RaymondovicBlue added 20:49 - Sep 8 Daley... I only get to listen to radio and see TV stuff, but I don't get it that he's that bad.... And from the comments I read on here and from commentators and pundits on radio and TV he's pretty good for a (admittedly) young and developing player.... Why the deep level of negativity? I value your opinion and your right to it (so I've not down voted you!) but I guess I'm not the only one on here who'd like you to explain?? Thanks COYB

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Superblue95 added 21:23 - Sep 8 You're wasting your breath on him Raymond. The man clearly knows very little about football and id be surprised if he's ever been to a match. Webster has looked alright, nothing more nothing less. Daley is either a complete idiot or a worldclass troll if you look at his posts
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BlueySwede added 21:41 - Sep 8 In my opinion Berra is the one who have been lucky to keep his place. Anyhow, give the back some stability now, Websters chance will come!
4

blueboy1981 added 21:54 - Sep 8 ....... even playing constantly out of position, Tommy Smith is the best defender at the Club - by far.
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blueboy1981 added 21:56 - Sep 8 Rock on Tommy - another Mogga in the making.
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WindsorBlueArmy added 21:56 - Sep 8 Thank God for the positivity after 2 weeks.We are unbeaten in 3 games and could go 2nd with a win tomorrow.Lets just get behind the team and see what happens re shape/tactics now that Murph has gone.Whatever the thoughts re Webster etc it's a long time since we have had such a strong bench to use should things need to be changed during a game. Does anyone know how many of us are going tomorrow?

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htb added 22:03 - Sep 8 Sad that our new ball playing centre half, that has shown no ability in being able to pass the ball to date and has been dropped. Is this because unfortunately we have bought a pup who can't pass the ball or because Macarthy has no desire to play out from the back and Smith is a much more proficient hoof baller. Still no evidence of the improved football we were promised. Interesting to see what happens with our latest signings or will they go the same way as our much heralded ball playing centre half??

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Woodbridgian added 22:09 - Sep 8 I thought Smith was outstanding defensively against Preston and deserves to keep his place. Also I think the loss of his attacking threat from corners etc has been missed under estimated.
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Woodbridgian added 22:10 - Sep 8 missed and has been under estimated !
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hadleighboyblue added 22:47 - Sep 8 Smith and Webster should both be playing , they are our future ...............Webster playing at right back would be a great improvement on Chambers and could form a partnership with Ward , but we all know that won't happen
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TimmyH added 22:56 - Sep 8 Probably right call from Mick...but others around him have to improve in the defense going by last season. As for Hyam well it's the same old same for him, he really has added nothing to the team over the last couple of seasons, maybe time for him to go?
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Knightsy added 23:30 - Sep 8 Why was Hyam ever given a contract, he misses more games than he play's. I like the lad as a footballer, but he's a lame horse time to get shot (pardon the pun)
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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 01:49 - Sep 9 Hyam, McGoldrick and Williams injured, out first round of cup, Evans in trouble for touting, free transfers, minimal money spent, what year is this?
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