Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell wants Sean Gregan to keep silencing the critics who threatened to drive him out.

Central defender Gregan was all set to escape through the transfer window after being a target for the boo-boys and losing his place to Matthew Kilgallon.

But when York-born Kilgallon damaged knee ligaments in the FA Cup replay against Wigan, Gregan stepped in to help Leeds keep a clean sheet in the derby win against Sheffield Wednesday.

With Kilgallon ruled out for several weeks, Gregan keeps his place away to Ipswich tonight and Blackwell said: "People have had a go at our central defenders from time to time, but against Wednesday, Sean didn't look as if he had been out for eight games.

"He helped us dominate from start to finish. He has bags of experience and at 31 is still at the right age. Paul Butler and Sean have kept a lot of clean sheets when playing together and if they carry on shutting out the opposition I'll be delighted."

Frazer Richardson is still out with a knee ligament injury and is expected to be missing for at least another week, while United have yet to receive international clearance for Australian winger Joel Griffiths despite complaining to FIFA.

Blackwell added: "Ipswich were comfortable winners against Southampton but we were unlucky to lose to them at Elland Road in September when Richard Cresswell hit the bar from the penalty spot and Eddie Lewis hit a post.

"It was our most disappointing result of the season because we were outstanding on the day and got nothing.

"It's a sell-out crowd at Portman Road and we know Joe Royle's team will have an up and at 'em attitude against us, but what goes around comes around so we are hoping for better fortune this time."

Michael Ricketts, who returned to Elland Road earlier this month after a loan spell at Cardiff, has joined Burnley on loan until April 30.

Leeds United's home game against Crystal Palace a week tonight has been postponed as Palace are involved in an FA Cup fourth round replay against Preston. The tie of round five sees Liverpool host Manchester United.

FA Cup fifth round draw: Preston or Crystal Palace v Coventry or Middlesbrough, Newcastle Utd v Southampton, Aston Villa v Manchester City, Everton or Chelsea v Colchester, Charlton v Brentford, Liverpool v Man Utd, Bolton v West Ham, Stoke v Reading or Birmingham. Ties to be played weekend of February 18/19.

Updated: 10:04 Tuesday, January 31, 2006