FABIAN Wilnis will be a proud man on Sunday when he is set to lead Ipswich Town in their derby match at Norwich City.The long-serving Dutchman joined the staff at Portman Road in 1999 and has had many ups and downs.

By Elvin King

FABIAN Wilnis will be a proud man on Sunday when he is set to lead Ipswich Town in their derby match at Norwich City.

The long-serving Dutchman joined the staff at Portman Road in 1999 and has had many ups and downs.

But assistant manager Bryan Klug confirmed today that the 36-year-old is favourite to take the skipper's armband on Sunday.

Jason De Vos is out for the season after a foot operation while Richard Naylor and Sylvan Legwinski, who have both deputised as captain, are also injured.

Klug said: “Fabian has shown the right attitude throughout his career and hopefully something can be sorted to keep him at Ipswich for another season when his contract ends in the summer.

“He was out of the team for a while earlier this season but still showed his character and has always been good with young players, happy to pass on his experience.”

Wilnis, pictured, is likely to receive a mixed reception at Carrow Road after his comments when the Cana-ries were promoted to the Premiership last time that they were not good enough to stay up.

This prediction proved correct and Klug added: “There is a bit of history between Fabian and Nor-wich, but he was proved right and this might add a bit of spice to the occasion.

“Derbies are normally heated occasions and it is an ideal game for us at this time of the season. Both teams have failed to find any consistency, although the atmosphere on Sunday will make sure that the players will give their best.

“We must show a professional approach and keep our good run going, that will set us up nicely for what we hope will be a more successful 2007/2008.”

Lewis Price, Owen Garvan and Gavin Williams have all not trained so far this week, although they were expecting to take part in this afternoon's sessions.

Klug confirmed Danny Haynes, who scores at will against Norwich, will be involved and he is hopeful that the Ipswich support will give Town players a boost to gain three points and double the Canaries.