Jermaine Wright is battling against the clock in a bid to be fit in time for Saturday's First Division match at Sheffield United.

The Ipswich Town midfielder, a £500,000 summer signing from Crewe, is desperate to play in the top against bottom clash.

But, after receiving a nasty kick on the ankle in Tuesday night's Worthington Cup win against Brentford, he is fast running out of time.

He trained with the first team squad yesterday but his ankle has swollen so much, he is having round-the-clock treatment from the Town physio to ease the pain.

He said today (Friday): "It's a little bit sore at the moment but I am having fairly intensive treatment to try and get the swelling down. I am definitely travelling with the squad and I will have a fitness test before the match.

"It's going to be a close-run thing but I am hoping I will still be able to make it."

Town boss Burley is desperate for Wright to declare himself fit. He felt midfielder Jim Magilton looked rusty against Brentford and would rather play the in-form Wright.

They go into the match with the chance to extend their incredible start to the season.

They have won all five matches and go into the game at Bramall Lane looking to extend their two-point lead at the top of the First Division.

Adrian Heath's side have yet to chalk up a victory in the league and lost 6-0 at Manchester City last weekend.

But they made it into the second round of the Worthington Cup after beating Shrewsbury in midweek and Burley knows they will be no pushovers.

He said: "They will be desperate to record their first win while we will be looking to keep our 100 per cent record intact."

Town (probable): R Wright, Stockwell, Thetis, McGreal, Venus, Clapham, Holland, Scowcroft, J Wright or Magilton, Naylor, Johnson.

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