Town Have Clean Bill Of Health

Mick McCarthy has a full squad of players to choose from for tomorrow`s clash at Portman Road against Rotherham. Although he appears to be spoilt for choice, will he go for the old adage that you should never change a winning team?

The answer is probably no because the Town boss is more inclined to support another football philosophy which says you should pick horses for courses and in this respect he has lots of options.

Jack Collison is the latest addition to the squad having signed on a short term deal from West Ham. He has had well documented injury problems but according to McCarthy he is fit and his knee is fine but he won`t be involved tomorrow.

Cameron Stewart is now playing football but has not had enough game time yet to be seriously considered. A place on the bench is not impossible though. Darren Ambrose may find himself there too; along with Tommy Smith (again) and Polish reserve keeper Bialkowski, and the manger may leave out Teddy Bishop who is looking a bit fatigued these days. I expect Alex Henshall to be one of the other subs as well along of course with Conor Sammon if Mick reverts to 4-4-2?

I think that the manager will keep the same defence as before because they have been performing well of late and since Berre and Chambers took over central defensive duties, Town have leaked just two goals in their last four Championship games, which is quite impressive.

Tyrone Mings will therefore continue at left Back and Jonathan Parr on the right. This is one area of the team that I am quite sure Mick will not be tempted to tamper with but the midfield is another matter.

Cole Skuse has recovered from his toe injury and is likely to play and it would be cruel on Luke Hyam if he does not get into the team after his excellent display at Wigan in the week, where he got on the score sheet too! This might mean Paul Anderson will also have to be content with a place on the bench along perhaps with Stephen Hunt?

As for Kevin Bru, I cannot see him starting but he is another candidate for some game time should McCarthy decide to bring him on.
Up front it will be the Irish duo of Murphy and McGoldrick and if Town win, they are likely to find themselves in the play-off places and on the rise yet again!

F.W.