Town boss Gary O’Neil says there’s no reason that midfielder Sasa Lukic can’t start against AFC Bournemouth at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon.

The 30-year-old has missed the last three matches with a groin issue, but O’Neil says the Serbian international should make his return at the weekend.

“He’s trained well,” O’Neil. “We trained well again this morning. We’ve just come in off the grass. He was excellent in that sort of midfield position.

“We did some important tactical stuff today, so Sasa was involved in some of that and did well. So no reason that Sasa couldn’t start the game at the weekend.”

Regarding the strength of his midfield, O’Neil added: "Really pleased. That midfield, the slots in there are ultra-competitive.

“Obviously, Sasa back fit now, T [Florentino Luis] having scored at the weekend. [Exequiel] Palacios in excellent form. Azor [Matusiwa] back, looking assured when he comes on.

“Nacho [Marcelino Nunez] started the season really well for us. Jack Taylor is now back from injury.

“So an incredibly competitive part of the pitch for us, and you can see that. You can see they’re aware of that, the guys, in how they train and how hard they push. They know that they need to be on top form to get the nod each weekend.

“So T is always in my mind, he was a good addition for us. Brings good defensive attributes, as well as the fact that he added a goal at the weekend. So, pleased with where he’s at and he can definitely help us again this weekend.”

O’Neil says he has a fully fit squad going into the game against his old club: “Everybody is available. Tricky training session today, lots of players, lots of organisation to do. Everyone is fit, everyone is ready to go.”

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