Mick McCarthy says Lee Tomlin has a role to play in Cardiff City's upcoming season, but admits he already has concerns over the mercurial playmaker's fitness.
Tomlin produced a bright cameo off the bench during City's 2-0 pre-season win over Newport County at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, and attracted no shortage of adulation from a vocal Canton End.
The departure of Harry Wilson earlier in the summer means many have identified Tomlin as the the potential creative spark for the Bluebirds this season, and McCarthy seemingly agrees the 32-year old has the ability to make a big impact on his plans.
However, with Tomlin spending nearly the whole of last season sidelined, the Yorkshireman clearly has concerns over keeping the former Bristol City man fit, and admits the forward could already be a doubt for Saturday's season opener with Barnsley.
"I love the ability of Lee Tomlin," McCarthy said afterwards. "Like everybody else. You can see why. You can see why everyone's attracted to him.
"But the key is keeping him fit. I've just spoken to him, and apparently he's done his hamstring, which I hope isn't the case.
"I spoke to him before pre-season, and we had the discussion and we both agreed 'I'm not sure about 90 minutes'.
"But certainly that kind of a cameo appearance. He put the ball through for Davies, we can all see that, the reverse pass.
"So it would be lovely to have him, but we'll see if he's fit or not.
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"Rubin Colwill will add a bit to us I think. Leandro's added a bit of creativity to us.
"And it would be nice if we got Josh Murphy back."
Both Colwill and Murphy are also doubts for next weeks' game, with Kieffer Moore and Isaac Vassell also unlikely to play a part, although all have returned to training.
One man that certainly won't be involved is winger Gavin Whyte, who's completed a season-long loan move to Oxford United.
And McCarthy admits the move was mainly due to his inability to guarantee the Northern Irishman meaningful game time this season.
"If I've got Josh Murphy, Ryan Giles, Kieffer Moore, James Collins, Rubin Colwill, Isaak Davies, Tommo (Tomlin), Mark Harris all in those forward places, he's not going to play.
"So for his good he needs to go out and play and if he can go and have another good season, then maybe he can come back here and play."
