SHANE Supple's lack of action has brought a stinging rebuke from Jim Magilton to Falkirk boss John Hughes.The Irish Under-21 keeper has not played since joining the Bairns on loan from the Blues and Magilton has not been happy.

Derek Davis

SHANE Supple's lack of action has brought a stinging rebuke from Jim Magilton to Falkirk boss John Hughes.

The Irish Under-21 keeper has not played since joining the Bairns on loan from the Blues and Magilton has not been happy.

Magilton has now received assurances that Supple will get game time in the SPL but he admits he was tempted to bring him back.

Magilton said: “I'm concerned that Shane has not been playing and the Falkirk manager and I have had words.

“But John is someone I have huge respect for and Shane will play games.

“When we let them go we let them go to people we trust and if he doesn't play then we won't be happy, but I trust John.

“It did cross my mind to bring Shane back, but it is cross border so we can't so he is there for the rest of the season.”

Town attacker Billy Clarke has been used a bit more, getting a good half hour in their 4-0 win last weekend and is expected to earn his first start soon, with a run out at Dundee united today a possibility.

Magilton is still looking to send out some players for regular football elsewhere, with Gavin Williams and Chris Casement the most likely to go out.

Although Town have had enquiries about Jordan Rhodes he will not be loaned out just yet as he is considered back up to Lee, Walters, Haynes and Counago.

Magilton said: “If anything happens and we get an injury and nothing has materialised with David Nugent, then Jordan will be stepping up so we don't want him going out just yet.”

Magilton has a fully fit squad to choose from for today's game at Stoke but while he is tempted to keep the same side that beat Crystal Palace and Blackpool he admitted he may pull a surprise or two to keep Tony Pulis on his toes.

David Wright is itching for return at right back, which could leave Alex Bruce displaced, while the Blues boss admitted he was looking at blooding new keeper Nick Colgan and revealed he is fit and raring to go and didn't need to risk him in second string games during the week.

Magilton said: “I would have no qualms about putting Nick in.”