Ipswich Town to be boosted by return of Joe Pigott for visit of Fleetwood Town

Manager Paul Cook has confirmed Joe Pigott will return to the Ipswich Town squad for tomorrow's home clash with Fleetwood Town.

The summer signing from AFC Wimbledon has missed the Tractor Boys' last two games following the death of his father.

But having recently returned to training, the striker is to rejoin his team-mates at Portman Road this weekend.

Cook said: “For anyone to go through what Joe’s just been through in the last week, everyone knows how tough it can be.

"It’s very much over to Joe Pigott what Joe wants to do in and around that.

“His father was very, very close to Joe, watched him play all the time and was very, very proud of his son.

“My (advice) to Joe would be get back on the pitch as quickly as you can and score those goals that will make your dad so happy and proud.

“Joe Pigott will be in the squad tomorrow and hopefully we can see that at Portman Road.”

However, the boss would not comment on the availability of James Norwood, who has been absent from the last three matches.

"With the greatest respect, I don’t want to answer every question about individual players, I don’t see that as a press conference, if that’s OK,” he said when quizzed about the centre-forward's recent absence.

“Obviously all the managers watch each other’s press conferences about teams, squads.

“I don’t mind answering the question about Joe, which is fine, but individual questions about other players, I’m going to shy away from.”

It is believed that left-back Hayden Coulson is also closing in on a return to action after a thigh injury.

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