Andy Marshall is desperate to cling onto the goalkeeper's jersey after taking his Premiership bow for Ipswich Town against Spurs.

The shotstopper - who made his debut last weekend at Dagenham - impressed between the posts after ousting Matteo Sereni.

And he said after Saturday's 2-1 win: "It felt great playing my First game at Portman Road. I've waited a long time for this chance and worked hard on the training ground, so I like to think I reaped the rewards on Saturday.

"I was a bit nervous before kick-off, as most people would be making their home and Premiership debuts.

"But I know I'm good enough to play at this level. I just need a chance to prove myself. In terms of the nerves, I just needed to get the first ten minutes out of the way.

"Now I can't wait to play again. If I could have got a game in yesterday I'd have jumped at the chance."

Ipswich took the lead when Marcus Bent headed home a corner by Mark Venus.

Spurs equalised via Gus Poyet but Venus provided the ammunition for the Blues' winner, curling a corner onto the head of John McGreal.

Marshall added: "I was very disappointed with the goal we conceded and totally take the blame.

"I thought he was going to shoot across me but instead ended up being beaten at my near-post."

McGreal, who has only scored two other first-team goals in his career, saw his late header deflect into the net off Ledley King.

He said: "It was definitely my goal because the header was going in anyway. I missed a great chance to score in the game at Spurs before Christmas, so in a way I've made up for it now."

Richard Naylor has turned down a loan move to First Division Rotherham United.

Published Tuesday January 15, 2002