IPSWICH Town found the replacement for Shane Supple from literally under their noses.Arran Lee-Barrett has joined the Blues on a short-term contract until January and will be on the bench for their televised championship clash at West Brom this evening.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town found the replacement for Shane Supple from literally under their noses.

Arran Lee-Barrett has joined the Blues on a short-term contract until January and will be on the bench for their televised championship clash at West Brom this evening.

Lee-Barrett has been training with his old mates Richard Wright and coach James Holman after being released by Hartlepool at the end of the season.

The locally-based keeper joined Whitton Sports Centre when he was eight-year's old and was signed by the Town's academy as a youngster, along with the likes of Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent.

He didn't get kept on and in 2000 went to Norwich City but struggled behind Robert Green and after a trial with Chelsea joined Cardiff City.

He made just one senior appearance for the Bluebirds before dropping into the non league with Weymouth where he represented the England National Game team, making his debut against Holland.

Coventry City signed him as cover for Luke Steele, ironically due to an injury to former Norwich and Ipswich keeper Andy Marshall, then moved to Victoria Park.

Lee-Barratt made 65 appearances for Hartlepool but his last game for them ended with him being sent off against Southend in March and he was released in May.

The 25-year-old joined in time to link up with his new team-mates and travel to the west midlands last night.

Keane moved swiftly to land a keeper after being told by Shane Supple on Wednesday that he wanted to quit the game completely.

Supple's contract was terminated by mutual agreement with the Dubliner returning home to seek a new career.

Town have agreed to sign Bohemians keeper Brian Murphy when the League of Ireland season ends in November but need extra cover before then.

Keane has made it clear he favour three senior stoppers but may have to do with having academy keeper Ian McLoughlin as further back up until Murphy can play.

Richard Wright will retain his place in goal for the game at the Hawthorns today.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk