Ipswich boss George Burley is realistic about the prospect of losing star midfielder Matt Holland for the right price. Holland has been playing superb for Ireland in Japan, marshalling the midfield in the absence of Roy Keane and scoring the equaliser against Cameroon in their first match.
Burley believes his club may struggle to keep a player at the peak of his powers as they prepare for life in Division One. "Matt is at his prime. With Roy Keane absent, Ireland have looked to Matt to show his worth in central midfield and he has not let them down", said the Town boss.
"His goal against Cameroon was fully deserved. How can we stand in his way if another club wants to take him back to the Premiership? Matt is 28 now and the next move will be the biggest move of his career. While we don't want to lose him, we have to be realistic. We are a First Division club again now and he is a Premiership footballer, but that does not mean we will consider letting him go for below our valuation. Anyone who wants to sign him will have to meet our asking price", added Burley.
Filed by James Shortt