Matt a month from his debut

The 21-year-old has returned to light training after a month of rehabilitation and a course of injections on the troublesome thigh injury which has dogged him since a summer move from Gillingham.

But boss Mick McCarthy today ruled out the possibility of him returning to action immediately after the international break.

Jarvis is instead being lined up for a possible October debut, with McCarthy backing Stephen Ward to continue to prosper in his absence.

"He will be about a month away but we've got two weeks of doing nothing so its not so bad," McCarthy said.

"I just can't see the point in rushing him back. He's only a young lad, we might as well wait until he's absolutely fine and until then we'll just have to make sure everyone else is fine and can cover for him.

The club sold Michael McIndoe to Bristol City with the intention of unleashing the pacey Jarvis on the Championship, only to see injury ruin those plans.

McCarthy has used converted hitman Ward in a wide left role so far this season and has been satisfied with his efforts so far.

"I let Macca go because I knew Stephen Ward could come in and do a job. He did it against Norwich last season and looked comfortable. He played in a 4-3-3 with Bohemians on the flank and thats where he scored his goals," he said.

"We obviously have Stephen Elliott who can play there as well and Keogh can do that job there."