Town manager George Burley has expressed his surprise at the bookies puting Ian Walker and David James ahead of Richard Wright in the race for the third goalkeeping place for this summer's European Championships.

With David Seaman and Nigel Martyn virtually guaranteed the first two places, questions only remain over Kevin Keegan's third choice.

The Town manager also added that he thought Richard Wright might well break Peter Shilton's appearance record by the time he hangs up his gloves.

Wright made his debut aged 17 for Town in 1995 and will clock up his 250th start on Saturday at Stockport. He hasn't missed a game since February 1997.

Town have no new serious injury worries after the weekend. Mark Venus felt his ankle once again, but that has been that case all season.

Marcus Stewart is getting his fitness back after his injury problems. John McGreal could well be fit, but Manu Thetis is out for the season with ankle trouble.

Town have said they have no plans to make a permanent link with any other club. George Burley was speaking after Leeds and Oldham made an arrangement regarding youth players. Parma have made a similar link with Norwich City. Burley added that Town would look to bring foreign youngsters to the club as well as talent from our own catchment area.

David Sheepshanks is speaking at the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Dine and Dream dinner this Thursday.

Kieron Dyer has said he might well stay at Newcastle for 10 years. Dyer dubbed his new fans "the number one fans in the world" after his side's loss to Newcastle in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend.

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Ipswich Town Polls