Matt Holland has shown his commitment to Ipswich Town by singing a new four-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at Portman Road until 2005.

The Bury-born Irish international has put paid to stories linking him with a move away from Ipswich by signing the new deal to the delight of manager George Burley.

Burley said: "Matt is a big part in keeping our progress going as a club. He has been a tremendous player and captain."

Holland has been a revelation since he joined Ipswich for £800,000 in 1997. He has only failed to start in one game for the club since - but even then he did come on as a substitute in that game.

He is a player who does not pick up injuries - a rarity in today's game. This gives his club a balance in midfield which is helping them in their bid to survive their first year in the Premiership.

With all the young talent at the club they are going in the right direction by keeping the more experienced stars under long-term contracts and Holland was delighted to sign on the dotted line for the club which has made him a name in the game.