George Burley has been boosted by the return to fitness of three key players for tomorrow's Premiership clash with Derby County.

The Ipswich Town boss has Jim Magilton, Mark Venus and John McGreal available for selection again after the trio missed the midweek Worthington Cup triumph against Coventry City.

Burley is, however, sweating on the fitness of skipper Matt Holland.

The midfielder is rated as doubtful for tomorrow's (Saturday's) showdown at Portman Road after picking up an ankle injury against the Sky Blues.

Goalkeeper Keith Branagan has another chance to shine in the absence of Richard Wright.

The England shotstopper is set to have a cast removed from his cracked wrist on Tuesday and should return to training on Thursday.

If that is the case, Wright will be available for selection again for next weekend's trip to Liverpool.

Burley said: "I saw Derby play Fulham in the Worthington Cup this week and Jim Smith was rightly pleased with their performance, despite the result.

"Although they had a slow start this season, they are undoubtedly a good side and any team which comes away from Arsenal with a 0-0 draw must be difficult to break down.

"Derby are battling away for points but they have experience and quality throughout the side. Rory Delap is a good player while Malcolm Christie is very dangerous around the box."

Burley will also find himself up against in-form nephew Craig.

He joked: "Last time he played at Portman Road Craig scored for Chelsea so I'll be ringing him tonight to make sure he doesn't do the same again."

Town, looking to chalk up their fifth consecutive win, can move second in the Premiership if they beat Derby and Arsenal lose or draw against Southampton.

Town's Worthington Cup quarter-final at Manchester City will take place on Tuesday, December 12.

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