Fabian Wilnis has said he is upset after being demoted to the reserve squad during training ahead of Sunday's game with Newcastle on Sunday.

The Town defender, speaking on his personal website (www.wilnis.co.uk) said: "I suffered another personal setback this weekend and it's difficult to understand why.

"I was dropped to the reserves training group on Friday for the first time in my Ipswich career and now it looks like I'm not going to be in the first team squad for the matches coming up in the next few weeks.

"I'm bitterly disappointed but I'm mentally strong and I know I just have to accept the manager's decision and work to prove him wrong.

"When Matt [Holland] and Hermann found out I was training with the reserves they were amazed, and it's great to know I have the support and respect of my team-mates, even if I'm not playing first-team football."

Wilnis, however, says he will be trying his best to regain his first team place: "Obviously I'm disappointed but I am always positive and I've been working hard to keep my fitness as high as ever.

"I'm working harder than ever in training and I am doing extra training after our normal sessions are over, working in the gym to keep up my fitness levels."

He added that he has been encouraged by supporters he has met in recent weeks: "It's great to know the fans are supporting me and I'd like to say thanks to everyone for helping me to get through this time.

"More than anything everyone at Ipswich wants to keep the club in the Premiership and that's why I want to be playing, so I can play my part in that."

Wilnis is likely to be involved in the reserves tomorrow night as they meet Spurs at Portman Road (KO 7pm).

Photo: Action Images

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