Full-back Fabian Wilnis says he is confident he can shackle West Ham dangerman Matthew Etherington in Wednesday's play-off second leg at Portman Road. Wilnis largely got the better of the former Spurs player after switching to right-back for the second half of Saturday's first leg.

The ex-De Graafschap man says he is confident he can put on a repeat performance at Portman Road: “I will use all the tricks I am allowed to. I have played against Matthew a number of times, and know he doesn't like playing against me.

“Things went much better for us after his influence went from the game, and this is how I intend it to be on Wednesday.

“He is a good player, but I am confident I can handle him.”

Etherington says he is looking forward to taking on the Dutchman again: "Wilnis is a good player and I've had a couple of battles with him before.

"But I'll look forward to the challenge, because it should be a huge occasion and one we're really up for."

Wilnis replaced the substituted Drissa Diallo at right-back for the second half at Upton Park, the Guinean international having been given a torrid time by Etherington. Town coach Willie Donachie defended Diallo after the game: "Drissa was unfortunate.

"The first goal looked offside and then he had his hands full. But Etherington is a good player who has posed problems to better players than Drissa."

Wilnis is certain to start on the right of the defence on Wednesday and says the role of the Portman Road crowd will be important: “Our supporters can make it a night to remember and if they get behind us and make it a hostile atmosphere, like West Ham fans did in the semi-final, second leg last year, I cannot see any other result than a win for us.”

Photo: Action Images

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