Ipswich Town v Blackburn Rovers - Andy Neild's Premiership match preview

IPSWICH ice-man Hermann Hreidarsson will put friendship to one side tomorrow as he attempts to put the big freeze on Rovers at Portman Road.

The Icelandic international, who joined the Tractor Boys in a club record £4.5 million deal from Wimbledon 12 months ago, is best pals with Ewood hot-shot Matt Jansen after they forged a friendship during their time at Crystal Palace.

Over the last couple of years, Jansen has even been a regular visitor to Hreidarsson's Icelandic home where Puffin is the local delicacy!

But for 90 minutes tomorrow the 27-year-old Ipswich defender will drop the olds pals act and focus firmly on the task of kick-starting Town's season -- although he admits it could be difficult against a Rovers side still oozing confidence after the euphoria of promotion.

"Blackburn are a team that likes to play good football -- as Graeme Souness did throughout his career -- but that will suit us," said Hreidarsson.

"Our own season has been a bit stop-go but we haven't been helped by international call-ups because that causes disruption.

"So we need something to really kick-start us off and, hopefully, a good win against Blackburn will do the trick.

"We've had a couple of disappointing results so far but at no stage have we been out-played.

"We continue to keep the same habits and the same things as we did last year.

"So it's only a matter of time before we get back into the groove, hopefully, starting tomorrow."

Ipswich boss George Burley has his work cut out in matching last season's achievements after steering Town to a magnificent fifth place following promotion from the Premiership.

But the cany Scot has once again bought wisely in the summer, drafting in the likes of Nigerian international Finidi George.

And, with Marcus Stewart again ready to spearhead a charge after scoring 21times last season during his first season in the top-flight, hopes are high of a repeat.

But defender Gary Croft knows more than most just how quickly things can change in football if you rest on your laurels.

The former Grimsby defender was part of the Rovers squad which dropped out of the Premiership two seasons ago after a disastrous run under Brian Kidd.

He then attempted a fresh start with Ipswich but within weeks of his arrival wound up in prison after being convicted of several motoring offences.

Now Croft is attempting to put those painful memories behind him but a series of injuries over the last six months have ruled him out of a reunion with his old club tomorrow.

"If there's one game I really wanted to play in then it's the Blackburn game," said Croft.

"I've still got so many friends up there in the likes of Matt Jansen, Garry Flitcroft, Damien Duff and Marlon Broomes.

"But at the moment I feel like a spectator at Portman Road and it's sad that on the day my old club play my current one I'll be sat in the stands.

"Sadly for me, things aren't going too well at Ipswich -- it's seems to be one injury problem after another.

"But it's just going to be nice to get the chance to meet up again with some of the other lads."

As for Rovers, he expects his old club to follow in Ipswich's footsteps this term by causing a few surprises.

"Blackburn are a marvellous club and I had a great time there," said Croft.

"They've got a sound defence which will be crucial this season and I think they will do quite well.

"Graeme Souness is a good, experienced manager who I think will get them to consolidate in the Premiership."