THE last time I interviewed Fabian Wilnis he ignored the pain from an accidental collision with Hermann Hreidarsson in training to go on an score the opening goal against Norwich City, writes Derek Davis.

THE last time I interviewed Fabian Wilnis he ignored the pain from an accidental collision with Hermann Hreidarsson in training to go on an score the opening goal against Norwich City, writes Derek Davis.

He is in good company because in recent weeks, Darren Bent, Darren Ambrose, Matt Holland and Marcus Bent in midweek, all scored after a pre-match chat with the EADT.

Jim Magilton gave an exclusive interview to me yesterday so could well pop up with his 15th Town goal today at Sheffield Wednesday as well.

Wilnis is trying to ignore even more pain today as a couple of nasty gashes on his calf are added to his knee and ankle injuries. He has been forced to play stuffed full of painkillers in the past three matches but he is determined to stay involved as he enjoys some of his best form in 18 months.

Normally such interviews would not be so close together, but Fabian has been voted the TXU Player of the Month as selected by EADT readers for February, and is due to be presented with the award later this week.

He was understandably chuffed and said: "It is fantastic, it is always nice to be recognised and I thank the discerning East Anglian Daily Times readers for voting for me.

"I felt I had a few good spells last month and it was especially brilliant to then score against Norwich at the beginning of March."

Although still impressing, Wilnis has not been happy with his past couple of games, even though he has been battling a couple of injuries.

He said: "I have set my standards and expect to keep them. I have been disappointed with myself in the past two matches. I'm not the only one with knocks but we just have to get through it. This month we are playing eight games in a month in what is a critical time of the season.

"It was not good to see the result in midweek when Wolves won, which makes it harder for us, but we still have to be positive and just win our games and hope Wolves slip up."

To win all their games Town have to do what they are not particularly renowned for, beating so-called lesser opposition.

Wilnis accepts they should have done better than just draw with bottom-four clubs Grimsby and Stoke recently and they must show no mercy to Sheffield Wednesday today and Brighton next Saturday, and not just be up for promotion contenders Reading on Tuesday.

He said: "It is not as if we are not creating chances to kill these games off. Personally I try to give my all for every game because I know there are no easy games. There is no way you can go out against any team and only give 50% say,

"We have been playing good football but not getting the results – now we have to win these games, every game."

Wilnis is one of four players whose contracts expire in the summer and admits it is a worrying time, knowing he could be unemployed in four months, but is ignoring the situation for the moment.

He said: "I don't allow it to affect me because it would damage my performance. Every time I step on the pitch I forget deferrals, administration, all the problems, and just get on with playing.

"Of course it would be nice to know one way or another but we know that from the football club's point of view while we are in administration they can not offer any new contracts.

"We just have to deal with it, get on with our jobs and if we are not offered something in the summer then look elsewhere. I would love to stay here now. I'm enjoying my football, I'm playing regularly and I don't want to stop, not even when I'm playing hurt."

Another goal won't hurt. It will help Ipswich and ultimately help Wilnis who is quite literally playing for his and the team's future – despite the pain.