RICHARD Wright has expressed his longing to play for Ipswich Town again.

Elvin King

By Elvin King

RICHARD Wright has expressed his longing to play for Ipswich Town again.

The 32-year-old keeper is hoping to get the go ahead to return to action when he sees a specialist early next week.

He has been out since the end of November having damaged knee ligaments in the 2-1 Championship victory at Cardiff City.

The Ipswich-born keeper with two full England caps to his name is ahead of schedule in his recovery, and he said:

“I'm desperate to play for Ipswich Town.

“If the specialist gives me the okay, I want to get straight back into action.

“I'll be looking to take up the first opportunity I get of playing for the reserves and then give myself a chance of getting back in the first-team.”

Wright accompanied the first team squad to Queens Park Rangers for last Tuesday's 2-1 victory at Loftus Road and he has been upping his training schedule.

He went on: “Everything is going okay and I've been out on the training pitch with goalkeeping coach James Hollman for the last two weeks.

“I've been doing some fitness work and have stepped that up this week.

“The first six weeks after the injury were very difficult. I couldn't do anything.

“I couldn't even drive. But as soon as the brace came off my knee, I hit the ground running.

“I'm ahead of schedule and that's allowed me to work on my fitness and reflexes.

“Now I just want to get out there and play. I'm fed up with being in the gym and not playing games.”

Town manager Roy Keane likes to have three goalkeepers available, and he is looking forward to having Wright back.

Keane has current first teamer Arran Lee-Barrett plus recent Irish signing Brian Murphy in line for Tuesday's Championship game at Peterborough with no match for the Blues this weekend.

“You learn a lot about player when they are injured and Richard has proved himself to be a top professional,” said Keane.

“Good professionals get back earlier than you estimate.”

elvin.king@archant.co.uk