FABIAN Wilnis, set to be Ipswich Town's lucky charm at Charlton on Saturday, has his sights set on staying at Portman Road next season.The Dutch defender, who joined the Blues in 1999 and has made more than 300 appearances, will be 38 next August.

By Elvin King

FABIAN Wilnis, set to be Ipswich Town's lucky charm at Charlton on Saturday, has his sights set on staying at Portman Road next season.

The Dutch defender, who joined the Blues in 1999 and has made more than 300 appearances, will be 38 next August.

In his five starts this season Town have not tasted a defeat and he revealed today he has no thoughts about hanging up his boots.

Wilnis is likely to take his place in the back four if Alex Bruce fails to recover from an injury received against Bristol City.

Bruce has not yet been ruled out and is having a scan today. Town physio Matt Byard said: “Alex has a muscle strain in the right abductor.

“It had improved yesterday and we will see what the scan shows.”

Wilnis said: “I feel as fit as I have ever done and still enjoy every single minute.

“Being a footballer puts you in a privileged position and I do not plan to let that go easily. To get well paid for doing what is basically your hobby is what dreams are made of.

“In what other job do you get the thrill of standing in the tunnel with 25,000 fans cheering for you to enter the field?

“It is not something to be taken for granted, and something that I will miss hugely when the time comes to call it a day.”

Wilnis will make a final decision on seeking to extend his career later in the season.

He was given an extra year by manager Jim Magilton last summer, although with the Marcus Evans millions now at his disposal the Blues boss will be looking to considerably strengthen his squad.

Wilnis added: “If I still feel the same in April as I do now, I will not want it to all come to an end.”

Gary Roberts will be banned for Leicester City's visit to Portman Road in the Coca-Cola Championship on Tuesday after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Bristol City on Tuesday.