NEIL Sullivan faces promotion-chasers Ipswich at Elland Road tomorrow after collecting the club's Player of the Year award last night.

The 35-year-old ex-Chelsea goalkeeper is United's only ever-present this term. He bagged his accolade at an awards dinner at the club's Conference and Exhibition Centre.

Manager Kevin Blackwell said: "Sully took a big wage cut to come here from Chelsea last summer. He wanted to join us and play, rather than sitting on Chelsea's bench and taking home a lot more money.

"He has shown remarkable concentration and consistency and has pulled off saves that have made a big difference. For me, he has been a tremendous signing and I hope he has another cracking season next time.

"Having said that, I think all our players deserve a gong for what they have achieved in very difficult circumstances this season."

Ipswich are just behind the top two and tomorrow's game is much more important to them than Leeds, who are safe in tenth place but off the play-off pace.

Midfielder Jermaine Wright is hoping for a recall against his old club, as United are without Shaun Derry for three matches after his dismissal at QPR.

David Healy is still out with an ankle injury and Marlon King is doubtful with a virus, so Ian Moore may get a chance in attack after missing the QPR game because his wife was giving birth to their first son, Sebastian.

United have been fined £3,000 by the FA for failing to control their players during a melee against Gillingham at Elland Road last month.

Updated: 10:30 Friday, April 22, 2005