Derby boss George Burley says that the Blues are the biggest test for his in-form Rams. The ex-Town manager, who as one of the club's unsecured creditors would receive a payment should the Blues gain promotion, says his team will have to work very hard if they are to get a result against his old side.

Burley said: "Ipswich is probably going to be our biggest test, especially after being out for two-and-a-half weeks.

"So we've got to show that determination we have done away from home all season.

"We'll just have to go there and work very hard, which we have done all season, and hope we get a result.

"It's a big game for both clubs so it promises to be a really tough game.

"We're undefeated in nine games but Ipswich are a strong team with a good squad of players.

"We had a good win against them at Pride Park so it's one to look forward to, and we've got to be at our very best."

If figures widely quoted at the time of Town's administration are correct, Burley would receive £170,000 under the terms of the CVA should the Blues to win promotion to the Premiership this season. Were Town to then retain their Premiership status for a further year, the former boss would receive another £170,000 payment.

When the Blues went into administration in February 2003, the club and Burley were yet to come to an agreement regarding the remaining three years of his contract, reportedly worth £3.4 million. Debts to managers did not count as football debts - which must be paid in full - which meant Burley was amongst the club's unsecured creditors.

The former full-back signed the five-year deal in May 2001 with the Blues fifth in the Premiership but after relegation was relieved of his duties in October 2002.

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