HE may be Ipswich Town's number one right now but Richard Wright has been warned he can not afford many more mistakes.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

HE may be Ipswich Town's number one right now but Richard Wright has been warned he can not afford many more mistakes.

Blues boss Jim Magilton is determined to keep faith with the former England keeper but admits his loyalty is being tested and Shane Supple is knocking on the door.

Magilton questioned Wright's positioning and setting up of the wall for Charlton's first goal last Saturday and the former Arsenal, Everton and West Ham stopper has also made a number of other costly blunders since signing in the summer.

Supple has yet to play in the league this season - his one appearance came in the Carling cup against Leyton Orient - but Magilton has been impressed with the young Irishman in training.

Magilton said: “Shane is very close to playing because Richard has been indifferent.

“Shane has been putting pressure on and that is exactly what you want at any football club.

“Goalkeepers unfortunately are judged like everyone else on performances and can't expect not to be put under the microscope.

“If their mistakes are costing goals then they have to be put under pressure.”

Although Wright has been at fault for some goals he has also been man of the match on more than one occasion this season when he has kept Town in games that they have then gone on to win or draw, most notably with clean sheets against Burnley, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday and that has given him a stay of execution.

Magilton said: “Shane has not come into my thoughts as yet because I have to show faith in my number one, albeit Shane puts pressure on him every day and Richard knows he can't afford many more slip ups.

Pim Balkestein is making good progress from a groin injury and is expected to be available for the game against Swansea next week.

That has not stopped Town chasing a loan signing with Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross still the number one target, although his team-mate Leon Cort could come into the equation as Derby are making a move for the former Manchester United youngster.

Magilton said: “Pim coming back gets us back on an even keel in regards to left-sided defenders but I still feel we need cover as we are not sure about Ben (Thacher).

“We are still asking clubs if we can get one or two of their players but I don't blame them for not wanting to let good players go.”