CHARLTON'S Athletic appear to be leading a list of clubs showing an interest in the Blues' back-up keeper Shane Supple.While Blues boss Jim Magilton would be reluctant to sell the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland youngster, Supple's patience is bound to be wearing thin at being behind Neil Alexander.

By Derek Davis

CHARLTON'S Athletic appear to be leading a list of clubs showing an interest in the Blues' back-up keeper Shane Supple.

While Blues boss Jim Magilton would be reluctant to sell the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland youngster, Supple's patience is bound to be wearing thin at being behind Neil Alexander.

Although the Addicks have Nicky Weaver as their number one, insiders at the London club insist Alan Pardew sees Supple as one for the near future.

A number of clubs from League One and Two have also been monitoring the Dubliner and getting regular first-team football would appeal to Supple, who has not appeared for the Blues this season.

Although he has not been on first-team view this season, the highly-rated Irish keeper has been recommended by widely respected Four-Four-Two magazine as one of the top keepers club's should sign in the January transfer window.

The Irish youngster was named third in a list of eight keepers who could supercharge a team's fortunes in the new year, with 21-year-old Russian Igor Akinfeev who plays for CSKA Moscow named number one and Nacional Madeira' Swiss stopper Diego Benaglio second.

Supple was placed higher than Sevilla's Andres Palop who is understood to be wanted by Spurs boss Juande Ramos, Russell Hoult who is at Stoke City, and Dundee United's Polish keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski.

The magazine issued a list of 100 players that 'your club should sign' and Supple was the only player from Ipswich, Colchester or Norwich recommended.

Hibs' Rob Jones, who Town have been linked with, is also on the list and his unhappiness at the bid by Leeds United being rejected out of hand noted.

Magilton and his scouting staff will also have noted a few other defenders that could fit the bill. Jerel Ifil at cash-strapped Swindon has improved since his days at Watford, while his brother Phil at Spurs has already been linked with the Blues.

James Collins at West Ham has top-flight experience but has slipped down the pecking order.

Dean Lewington has caught the eye of many scouts with his displays for MK Dons at left-back, while Swansea's Alan Tate is also attracting interest.

Given Magilton's propensity to go green, 25-year-old Ken Oman at Derry City will have been watched and Andrew Davies, currently on loan at Southampton is already one Magilton admires, while Calum Davenport is constantly linked with a Championship move.

Looking farther afield, Town may consider Brazilian Votorino Hilton, who is currently at Lens.