There is no doubt that Mick McCarthy will have been disappointed with Ipswich Town’s performance in the Sky Bet Championship last season, with the Tractor Boys falling way short of their usual standards and struggling in the bottom-half of the league table.

Ipswich were dealt a blow just weeks into the 2016/17 campaign, with Daryl Murphy leaving Portman Road for Newcastle United and a shot at automatic promotion.

The Irish striker was never really replaced by McCarthy, and it appears Ipswich are now looking for fresh blood in attack, 12-months after Murphy’s departure, with Rangers’ Joe Garner looking likely to return to the Championship with the Tractor Boys.

Garner has struggled with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, scoring just ten goals last season, but back in the Championship and under the leadership of McCarthy, the 29-year old will be confident he can rediscover his best form and have a positive impact at Portman Road.

Ipswich are set to pay £750k to sign Garner, which could be an exceptionally could piece of business, should the striker rediscover the form he showed for Preston North End.

Despite struggling with North End in the Championship during the 2015/16 campaign, Garner previously shone in League One for Preston, scoring 45 league goals in just two seasons and showing the type of impact he can have.

McCarthy’s pride will have been hurt by Ipswich’s disappointing finish in the Championship last season, and he will be looking to take the right steps to lead the club back up the table, starting with his transfer dealings.

If the 58-year old can inspire Garner to rediscover the form he has previously shown in English football, he will prove to be an excellent piece of business by Ipswich and could be the difference between success and failure for McCarthy’s side next season.