Supple plays waiting game

6:30am Friday 15th August 2008

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You have to feel for Shane Supple.

The Ipswich Town goalkeeper made his debut under Joe Royle as an 18-year-old in August 2005.

Since then he has been tipped for greatness and has always looked assured between the sticks.

Try and remember a mistake he has made which has cost Town during his 36 appearances since his debut – very little springs to mind.

But there-in lies Supple’s problem – he has only played 37 times for Town in three years.

Royle had no qualms in giving the 2005 FA Youth Cup winner a run in goal, until he felt Lewis Price would be a better option.

While Price has since moved on, Supple would have thought his time had come again, only for Town to sign Neil Alexander.

When he was transferred to Rangers last January, Supple had moved to Falkirk on loan, where the idea was for him to play.

He made just four appearances, while Stephen Bywater joined Town and convinced all that he wasn’t the man to be Town’s permanent number one.

This summer saw all manner of keepers linked with Town but until one actually arrived, Supple would be their first-choice keeper, a very capable one at that.

And then former Town favourite Richard Wright arrived.

With an unflappable temperament, top-class handling and composure with the ball at his feet, manager Jim Magilton is fully aware Supple is wasted just sitting on the bench.

It is a real conundrum for the 21-year-old, who didn’t make a first-team appearance for Town last season, but was given the nod for Tuesday’s 4-1 Carling Cup win over Leyton Orient.

He told the Gazette: “The manager has indicated that I might be used for cup games.

“I am at the age now where I want to play, and hopefully we can get a good draw in the next round.”

His wishes came true, as the Blues were handed a home tie against Colchester United.

And for Supple, Town’s continued progress will mean more first-team opportunites.

“When I came back from my loan spell at Falkirk I was aware of the interest in Richard,” added Supple.

“I was perhaps a bit too young when Joe Royle put me into the team, but I did well enough and it gave me a big taste of what first team football is all about.

“I have got my head around the situation, but it was still great to be back last night.

“I have learned to be patient, but I am at an age where I want to play – and I want to play for Ipswich Town.”

For more on Ipswich Town, see today's Gazette.