ONE Ipswich Town player more determined than any other to have a lengthy Carling Cup run is young goalkeeper Shane Supple.

Elvin King

ONE Ipswich Town player more determined than any other to have a lengthy Carling Cup run is young goalkeeper Shane Supple.

Given his chance again last night after not making a single Ipswich first team appearance last season, the 21-year-old knows that his opportunities this campaign may be restricted to cup games.

“The manager has indicated that I might be used for cup games,” said Supple today.

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

Supple, who played 22 times in 2005/06 and 12 times the following season, is well aware of the score, and that summer signing Richard Wright will be the number one.

“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.

“The gaffer has been very fair and he has said that he will not be considering another loan deal for me until January at least.”

Supple knew new goalkeeping coach James Hollman from the time that he came across from his native Ireland as a school kid.

“Richard (Wright) is great to work with, and James is a great coach,” added Supple.

“Training is very enjoyable and I will continue to work as hard as I can.

“But this can be a double edged sword, as it could work in Richard's favour as he will naturally want to keep me out of the side.

“I was pleased with a generally sound display last night, and it was a pity they scored a goal. As a keeper it is not just about saves, but about a whole range of things.

“The manager made changes to freshen up the squad and he put a hungry team out on to the field.

“It was great to see Richard Naylor back after all his hard work, and we looked fitter than them.”