Matt Holland will become a ton-up boy when he makes his 100th consecutive start for Ipswich Town against Tranmere at Portman Road.

Battered Holland is suffering with ribs, back, knee and groin injuries but has felt better this week and may even train today.

It is believed Holland holds the club record for consecutive games played by an outfield player for Ipswich.

Holland said: "I have been lucky with injuries though I have been feeling it in the last three weeks."

Holland has hit 18 goals in the 99 matches for the Blues since joining from Bournemouth in the summer of 1997, and has been booked only once in that time.

He missed only five games at Bournemouth but even so played with a broken arm for the Cherries.

Ipswich boss George Burley said: "Matt is a tremendous player and to go 100 games without a break is a tremendous achievement.

"He is a tremendous lad, on and off the pitch, and as I've said before he is the future captain of this club."

Burley is hoping to bring in a new player in time for Ipswich's home clash with Tranmere. With Kieron Dyer out for six weeks with a broken leg Burley is looking for an attacking midfielder.

Marlon Harewood has returned to Nottingham Forest after scoring only once in his month's loan to Town

He said: "We have until Saturday morning. We need another player to add to the squad and I'm hoping we can bring in a Premiership player on loan."

Burley was presented with the Nationwide Manager of the Month award for February by former World Cup referee Jack Taylor.

Manuel Thetis is struggling with a hamstring and Achilles injury which may persuade Burley to stick with the 4-4-2 formation they used against Watford.

Mick Stockwell will go to right back, and unless a loanee materialises Bobby Petta will stand in for Dyer and Richard Naylor will partner David Johnson up front.

Jason Cundy may join Adam Tanner on the bench unless Ipswich go 3-5-3 and one or the other may get the nod.

Cundy has not played all season after injuring his foot in pre-season training while skipping at home.

If Tranmere Rovers can get a draw, or even a win, the unbeaten run will extend to over two months.

Manager John Aldridge, once again, played with three strikers for last night's win at Swindon and, seeing as though it worked, he may well stick with same set up at Ipswich.

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