A YOUNG goalkeeper returning to action after a lengthy injury had an unexpected surprise.

Luke Singh, who keeps goal for Ipswich side Coplestonians, was treated to a coaching session with Shane Supple, the former Ipswich Town goalkeeper.

Supple, who quit Portman Road after falling out of love with the game and returned to Dublin, delivered the coaching session during only his second visit back to Ipswich since walking away from professional football nearly three years ago.

The 25-year-old went along to Copleston High School as a guest of Coplestonians chairman Wolfe Powell, and conducted the whole session in his flip flops, only removing them to fire in some shots at Singh, who has only just returned to training after undergoing keyhole surgery for a cartilage problem on his left knee which sidelined him for nine months.

Singh said: “Shane just turned up out of the blue with Wolfe Powell. He is a really nice guy and still has all the knowledge. He was really helpful and gave me plenty of useful tips.”

The 22-year-old added: “I was coached by goalkeeping coaches Malcolm Webster and James Holman when I spent six weeks with Ipswich Town’s Academy when I was ten or 11-years-old, and I used to attend a goalkeeping school they ran, but I have not received any coaching like Shane gave me since I was 13.

“He worked me really hard - and I will hopefully be thanking him for it when I start playing matches in the coming weeks with my performances.”

Powell said: “I helped to looked after Shane when I was player liaison officer at Ipswich Town. He had visited the club’s training ground and seen some of the staff he knew earlier in the day. I go along to all Coplestonians’ training sessions and Shane was happy to come along with me.

“I said to him he may as well be of some use while he was there and do a session with Luke, who had a good hour’s session with him and learnt a lot.

“Shane was one of the hardest trainers when he was at Ipswich and still keeps fit because he plays Gaelic football to a high level.”

Coplestonians, who this year celebrate their 40th anniversary, will line-up in the Senior Division of the Touchline Sports SIL this season after winning promotion from Division One.

Singh added: “Hopefully with the players we have got we should do well, and will be aiming for a top-half finish.”