John McGreal has urged his Ipswich Town team-mates to help take pressure off the Blues' under-fire strikers as the team prepare to face Aston Villa.

George Burley's strugglers have netted just 14 goals this season - a key reason why they currently sit four points adrift at the foot of the Premiership.

But centre-half McGreal said: "Everyone expects the strikers to score because that's their job. But the reality is that every player in the team should be chipping in.

"This time last year all ten outfield players had scored at least once, including myself up at Everton, but this season that hasn't been the case."

Meanwhile, McGreal insists Ipswich can turn the corner soon and revive their flagging fortunes - so long as they get a break.

"You have to make your own luck in football but we certainly aren't getting the rub of the green right now," he said.

"We've enjoyed the lion's share of recent matches but just haven't been able to grind out results.

"On a better day, we could have scored two or three goals against Arsenal and Newcastle."

Ipswich travel to Aston Villa for their next Premiership fixture today.

McGreal said: "I tend to not even look at the table at the moment.

"Instead, we just need to concentrate and continue working hard. The team spirit here is fantastic no matter what anyone says - and no-one wants to keep Ipswich in the Premiership more than the players."

Wayne Brown has returned to Portman Road after his three-month loan spell at Wimbledon.

The defender said: "I have an outside chance of getting in the Ipswich team as they're not doing so well at the moment.

"I'd rather play Division One football, though, as I'm looking to get a contract anywhere where I can get a regular place in the side."

Published Monday December 17, 2001