McCARTHY’S DRIVE TO GET ALL HIS TOWN CROCKS BACK

MICK McCARTHY claims victory today will help Ipswich’s league bid.

The Tractor Boys are suffering with an injury crisis with around 10 players out – and boss McCarthy wants to be able to cancel a Championship game later in the month to play a fourth round cup-tie instead.

He said: “I have never gone into a game wanting to lose it.

“I would love to win because it would put a league game back and we could get some injured players back.”

McCarthy also hinted striker David McGoldrick could leave the club in the transfer window.

Chris Wilder is convinced fit-again Ched Evans will have a big say in Sheffield United’s promotion push.

The ex-Wales striker, 29, is set to make his first start since September today following ankle surgery.

Evans, who rejoined the Blades last summer after scoring 48 goals in only 86 starts during his first spell at the club, played with his injury at the start of the season.

“He’ll need a few bounce games to get totally up to speed,” said United boss Wilder, who is set to rest some of his first-team regulars with the Steel City derby coming up on Friday.

“Fair play to Ched, he stuck his hand up to play when we were struggling for numbers – that tells you how desperate he is to help this club out.

“We all know what he’s capable of on the pitch.”