WRIGHT NOT TO BLAME

Nilis suffered two compound fractures of his right leg after a challenge with the England keeper but he insists that the injury was not his fault.

"I did not see Wright just before the collision and there was no one to blame," said Nilis.

The Belgian international has been recovering in an Ipswich hospital since the sickening collision at Portman Road and is expected to stay there until the weekend.

Nilis now faces a lengthy stay on the sidelines and, at the age of 33, fears have been raised about his future in the game.

"I have not thought about football yet. At the moment it is a case of getting my leg right," said Nilis.

"Lying on the pitch and the few days afterwards were not very nice but I am feeling much brighter now."

The injury brought back memories of David Busst, who suffered a similar injury at Old Trafford in 1996 that ended his career, but doctors say it is too early to tell with Nilis.

"We hope to get him up and on crutches soon," said surgeon Miland Sawant. "I have dealt with these injuries before and it is too early to talk about a return to football."

Nilis made a good start to the season and although John Gregory now needs a replacement, the recent fears over the transfer system have made him think twice.

"All the uncertainty has affected one possible transfer," said Gregory.