Keogh hopes to be fit

Andy Keogh is still hopeful of a return in the Black Country derby on Sunday – but admits he will take a “cautious route” back from injury.

The Irish forward took advantage of the international break to have a minor hernia repair operation last week and is set to return to training today. 

He would be available for the Black Country derby if needed, but boss Mick McCarthy has hinted that he will rest the striker to preserve him for the packed programme ahead.

Keogh, however, is keen to make a big impact in Sunday’s high noon showdown.

“I’ve been out doing it this week – hopefully I’ll be involved in some way on Sunday now,” he said.

“It’s just tender because it was cut open, but my movement is OK so it’ll just be a case of more or less going through the pain barrier.

“This is not a game I want to miss, but I don’t want to rush back and do it again. 

“So it is a case of being cautious but hopefully I’ll be OK.”

McCarthy faces another striking dilemma, with Freddy Eastwood battling back from a knee injury and Stephen Elliott back in contention after a string of impressive outings in the reserves.

That may leave Keogh on the sidelines for the time being.

But he believes his season is ready for lift out after finally clearing up the injury that has been playing on his mind for the last few months.

“It has been quite sore for the last couple of months – with getting called up for the Republic of Ireland as well we haven’t really had a break at any point for the last two months. 

“I’ve been struggling for a bit with it,” he said.

“It was just annoying for me to have that niggling injury at the back of my mind. 

“It was always a bit sore when I was warming up and again after the game so if I get rid of that then I should be fine.”