King of the shut-outs!

The Clarets defender is currently earning rave reviews for his starring role in five shut-outs in Burnley's last six league games.

However, no-one should be in the least bit surprised at that startling statistic - especially fans of his former club Tranmere Rovers.

For Prenton Park became a virtual fortress six years ago, when, with McGreal orchestrating operations at the back, the Wirral outfit set a new defensive benchmark with SEVEN successive shut-outs.

And for those ready to make an argument about lesser quality opposition, it's worth noting that Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Manchester City were among First Division Tranmere - and McGreal's - unwitting victims.

"The run we are on at Burnley is pretty good, but I actually had a better record at Tranmere," recalled the defensive rock.

"There we managed to get seven clean sheets on the run against some pretty decent opposition.

"However, this run is equal in its importance. It's crucial we keep picking points up and clean sheets is the only way you can do that.

"It would be great to score lots of goals to tie in with that, but at the moment it's all about getting the confidence going and nothing does that better than not getting beat."

Parallels can be drawn, however. Rovers drew five of those seven games 0-0, with their only goals coming in the FA Cup ties against Hereford (3-0) and Sunderland (1-0).

Compare that with Burnley's four stalemates this season - all on the road at Rotherham, Wigan, Leicester and Reading.

Royals striker Dave Kitson lambasted the Clarets following the last

of those goalless games two weeks ago, saying: "That was one of the most boring ways of playing football I've seen.

"I suppose it's sour grapes, but I've been in the game long enough to know rubbish football when I see it."

However, McGreal hit back at those allegations, insisting there is a world of difference between keeping clean sheets and playing for a point.

He said: "We have never gone out to get a 0-0 draw. If it finishes that way you take the point, but all you set out to do as a back four and goalkeeper is keep a clean sheet.

"If you look at Chelsea, they get it in the neck too when they keep scraping 1-0 wins here and there.

"They know the importance of keeping a clean sheet because they know they will get a winner. That's our idea because we also know we have the ability to score."

The odds on a 0-0 at Portman Road are probably longer than the journey there from Lancashire, however.

Town have not recorded a clean sheet in 41 games - and the last time a home game ended scoreless came against Stoke City way back in March 2003.

Something also has to give tomorrow when the highest scoring team in the Championship entertains the one with the meanest defence.

And McGreal expects the toughest test of the Clarets credentials yet as Joe Royle's side look to hit top spot.

He said: "The pitch at Ipswich is so big and Joe likes it that way to suit the way they play.

"I can't see Joe changing his ways and that means they will be very offensive. Everything he does in training is geared to scoring and that is borne out in their goalscoring record.

"They usually play 4-3-3 and they have goals everywhere, from (Shefki) Kuqi's power and strength, (Darren) Bent's pace and (Dean) Bowditch's touch.

"Tommy Miller scores his fair share of goals from midfield too, so there are goals right through the team.

"It's going really well for them. They are joint leaders and I'm sure Joe and his assistant Willie Donachie will be going all out to finish top.

"At the moment, we know after 12 games that not one team is going to run away with the league this year.

"But I'm sure they will be feeling confident in themselves - and with their terrific home form as well it's going to be a very tough game for us.

"But we will set our stall out again for a clean sheet and try to turn our own possession and chances into goals."

The odds on a 0-0 draw tomorrow are 10-1 with internet firm bet365.com

Burnley are 7-2 to keep a clean sheet.