Ipswich Town skipper Matt Holland's proud record of having never missed a match for the club could be about to end.

The all-action midfielder picked up an ankle injury during Town's 1-0 Bank Holiday win over Stockport, after shaking off a bout of flu to extend his successive run of matches to 143 since his signing from Bournemouth.

Although an x-ray has revealed no broken bones, the ankle is very badly swollen and painful but he will undergo extensive treatment over the weekend and still hopes to be fit for the visit to Port Vale on Monday, kick-off 3pm.

Another doubt surrounds fellow midfielder Jim Magilton who also picked up an injury against Stockport, this time a groin strain. He is rated as "doubtful."

Both players will travel to the Potteries and will undergo late fitness tests. Definitely out is top goalscorer David Johnson who is ruled out by a one-match ban.

Richard Naylor is ready to slot straight in despite missing training yesterday to rest his sore knees.

Meanwhile, manager George Burley's efforts to increase his first-team squad suffered a setback when his bid for a new player was turned down.

His valuation did not reach that of the unnamed player's club. In fact, he revealed, they wanted double what he was prepared to offer.

However, he did say he would continue to look to add some new faces to his squad.

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