Former Ipswich Town fans’ favourite Fabian Wilnis is set to make his Leiston debut tomorrow night as the Blues host Margate at Victory Road, kick-off 7.45pm.

Wilnis signed for the Ryman Premier club on Friday and with Steve Ball’s squad currently depleted by injuries, the former idolised Town right-back is in Ball’s plans for tomorrow evening.

“Fabian’s had to sort something out at work but will be involved in some capacity on Tuesday night,” said Ball, who works with Wilnis at Colchester United’s academy.

“He’ll be involved for sure and I find it bizarre how some people have said it’s a bit of a gimmick.

“This is Fabian Wilnis we’re talking about. He’s a Premier League player.

“He’s the fittest person I’ve ever met and he’s agreed to sign for us when needed so why wouldn’t we sign him and use him?”

The charismatic ex-Town defender was adored by the Town faithful in his nine-year stay at Portman Road and will certainly be an invaluable asset to Leiston - whether that’s in the dressing room or on the pitch.

And despite age being against him, the 43-year-old still feels he can do a job at this level.

He exclusively told the East Anglian Daily Times on Friday: “I’m quite fit otherwise I wouldn’t agree to do it.

“The main thing about it all is me helping the defence out - lending my experience at a higher level to them.

“Hopefully I can help them out and teach them a few things.

“If I’m needed to play then even better, I can step in.”

A full-match preview of Leiston’s home game against Margate tomorrow evening will follow shortly.