Roy Keane has urged caution over returning midfielder Luciano Civelli.

The Argentinean has been sidelined since March 2009, when he damaged knee ligaments in the 1-1 home draw with Burnley.

He made his long-awaited comeback in Tuesday’s 9-1 pre-season friendly win at Newmarket.

But while Town boss Keane was delighted to see him back, he says it’s important not to expect too much, too soon.

“We’ve got an important player back for us,” he said.

“It was great for the fans to see him again but we have to be careful with him.

“He’s only had 25 minutes, so we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.

“He came to the club with big expectations but had a really bad injury and had setback after setback.

“Sixteen months is a long, long time out and it’s not just about the physical side of recovering from that injury but the mental side as well.”

Assuming Civelli suffers no adverse reaction from his comeback, he may get another run-out in tomorrow’s friendly at Histon.

That match has been arranged to replace the planned Southend game, which was cancelled on Monday.

New Shrimpers boss Paul Sturrock felt he was unable to field a competitive side, given that he only has nine senior professionals on the books.

The decision disappointed Keane, who said: “That’s football. It lets you down.

“I spoke to their manager on Monday.

“They’d arranged the friendly. I’m sure he’s got his reasons and excuses but it’s not great professionalism from their club just to cancel a game like that.”

Pablo Couñago scored three times, Owen Garvan twice and Lee Martin, Grant Leadbitter, Alan Quinn and Colin Healy once each against Newmarket.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett is set to join the coaching staff at Ipswich.

Ablett was with the Blues squad at Newmarket, working with the defenders in the warm-up, and will replace Ian McParland.