Joe Royle has got an early Christmas present he certainly didn't want with news that John McGreal will be out until the new year.

McGreal damaged knee ligaments during Ipswich's 1-1 draw at Brighton on Tuesday night.

The central defender was replaced after nine minutes and appeared to be in some pain.

With Chris Makin and Mark Venus also on the sidelines at present, Town boss Royle may ask Matt Holland to continue in the central defensive role he has slipped into of late.

Published Thursday, December 12, 2002

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