What now seems like an eternity, Town had a player on their books that exuded class and we are finally getting much closer to seeing him in action again.
First thing first, and it is wonderful to see Emyr Huws back out on a football pitch and this alone has to be a big step in the right direction. It has been over a year since he kicked a ball in earnest for the Blues – apart from the odd short term appearance which lead to more problems, and it was pleasing to see him play the already determined 60 minutes for the under 23 side in their 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Playford Road yesterday afternoon.
The young Town Blues team are now eight points clear of Crystal Palace at the top of the table and just like the under 18 side, they have been leading the way for most of the season.
Apparently, Huws came through this test unscathed, and he is now one step closer to first team action and may play some part before the season is completed. We can tentatively begin to use the ‘H’ word again and how we have missed him over the last twelve months or so.
He is a player with undoubted skill and intelligence and who can forget that cracking goal on the volley he scored against Newcastle United a season or so ago. That was a top drawer finish and that is why he came through the youth systems of Swansea City and Manchester City before turning professional with the latter.
The sooner he is fighting fit once more the better for all concerned because it has been a long personal battle for the player himself, in a bid to overcome a serious knee injury that has blighted his progress again and again.
He is still a good way off full fitness and the Ipswich Town coaching staff will have to nurse him through more games before he, and of course they, can feel confident about his condition, but this is at least the best bit of news we have had about the player for some time.
Let us hope he gets some game time in the first team before we get accustomed to life in Division One. He is still a bit ring rusty but he did set up the first goal yesterday for Barry Cotter to slam home Town’s first, and this was the best we have seen of him since he underwent knee surgery.
F.W – editor of Vital Ipswich
