HERMANN Hreidarsson today declared: "I've suffered the worst injury of my career, but I'm lucky. I could have broken my leg."Ipswich Town's £5million Icelander has come out of hospital to rest at home after Saturday night surgery to repair severed right leg muscles.

By Dave Allard

HERMANN Hreidarsson today declared: "I've

suffered the worst injury of my career, but I'm lucky. I could have broken my leg."

Ipswich Town's £5million Icelander has come out of hospital to rest at home after Saturday night surgery to repair severed right leg muscles.

He sustained a fearful gash in an accidental collision with Stoke's Russian defender Sergei Shtaniuk early in Saturday's 0-0 draw.

Hreidarsson, who had made a blistering start to the match after a four-game suspension, could be out for at least six weeks, but he refuses to give up on the season.

"I know it's going to be a long job for the wound to heal, but I'm a professional footballer and these things

happen. I've been lucky in my career with injuries and this is the worst," said the 28-year-old.

He added: "There's not a great deal I can do at the moment apart from put my feet up, but I want the supporters to know that I'll get back as quickly as possible."

Hreidarsson initially tried to get up after the accident and had to be held down by team-mate Marcus Bent.

He continued: "When I saw the extent of the gash it was a bit of a shock to say the least. I initially tried to get up, but then I realised it was no good. The Stoke man and I went for the ball at the same time. He

accidentally caught me with his studs. I'm sure it was an accident. One of those things that happen in football.

"I'm more angry with myself for not scoring as I had chances."

Stoke defender Shtaniuk said today: "I'm so sorry about the whole thing. It was a pure

accident. I wish Hermann all the best."

The Hreidarsson injury is a massive blow to Town in their bid to make the Nationwide Division One play-offs.

He had been doing extra

training to make up for lost match action during the long ban.

"Yes, there was a lot of hard work to make sure I was ready. Now I'm out again, but you just have to take it on the chin."

Hreidarsson will be seeing a specialist at Ipswich's Nuffield Hospital again today for further diagnosis.

The big defender or wing-back was particularly looking

forward to tomorrow night's visit to Crystal Palace by a Town side six points off the play-off zone.

For it was at Selhust Park where he began his career in England after moving from Iceland. He later appeared for Brentford and Wimbledon.

Ipswich will have striker Pablo Counago back from

suspension tomorrow to face a Palace side that lost 2-1 at Bradford on Saturday.

Midfield man Tommy Miller, who came off on Saturday with a tight hamstring, is a concern. Attacker Darren Ambrose should be back after his knee problem.