Town keeper Richard Wright is to go into hospital next week to have an operation on a hernia problem. The keeper has had the injury for a while but it seems to be affecting him more recently.

He will play in the game against Manchester City but will miss the match with Derby. Town manager George Burley said: "Richard has been feeling more and more discomfort from his groin. He went to see a specialist in London yesterday. The operation has to be carried out, but he will play against Manchester City and then enter hospital soon after. "

This means he is out of the reckoning for summer internationals, Burley again: "He will not be available for the two England games, but hopefully Richard will be right to begin pre-season training with us in early July. It will be a disappointment for him to miss our last game at Derby and these two England matches, but the surgery can be arranged for soon after the Manchester City match. Something has to be put right and it’s to go ahead soon."

Wright missed the game with Coventry with a back problem, but was fit enough to play against Charlton on Monday. Keith Branagan played well against Coventry and is likely to make his fourth start of the season against Derby.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls