ANDY MARSHALL says he hopes the Ipswich fans will give him plenty of time to prove himself as a good successor to Richard Wright.

ANDY MARSHALL says he hopes the Ipswich fans will give him plenty of time to prove himself as a good successor to Richard Wright.

The 26-year-old free transfer keeper from Norwich signed a three-year deal with the Blue's yesterday.

"I hope the supporters will judge me over 20 games, not just one or two," said the ex-England Under 21 cap.

He continued: "Ipswich are a big club and I've taken on a massive challenge. The supporters know and respect what manager George Burley has done in the past regarding signings. That respect for him can help me and hopefully they will give me a bit of time."

While Marshall has arrived, the departing Wright is set to soon complete the £5 million move to Arsenal. But first he must undergo a medical at Highbury following his return from a family holiday in Cyprus.

Town chief Burley thinks that Marshall can possibly make himself into an even better Premiership keeper than Wright.

He said: "Andy is here to try and prove himself a better keeper than Richard Wright. I believe he has the quality and belief to possibly do that.

"Over the last couple of years his progress has been a bit static but I think he can push on with us.

"He made his debut for Norwich in the Premiership in 1995 and has experience at this level. Making the leap up a division to join us now will help him improve his game.

"He is six foot two, a good shot stopper and is excellent on crosses. He's a player who has got the potential to do well in the Premiership over a long term."

Burley continued: "Last season many of our players came into the Premiership with little or no experience at this level. They've done well and Andy can do the same. He's shown himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in the First Division and now I feel he can do the same in the Premier League.

"Andy has England Under 21 caps to his name and he has the ability I feel to get recognition at international level again."

Town Chairman David Sheepshanks said: "Andy comes to us from our East Anglian neighbours Norwich City. But it doesn't matter where you come from. When you pull on the blue and white shirt of Ipswich Town you are a Town player and that's all that matters."

Sheepshanks continued: "This summer so far we have taken on two players on free transfers under the Bosman Ruling in Andy Marshall and Spanish striker Pablo Counigo. These two players are very talanted and I don't think that money comes into it. However money is available and we will spend when we feel the time is right.

"But there is no rush, we have a good squad that finished fifth in the Premiership last season and qualified for Europe.

"One thing is for certain, big money players do not in themselves guarantee success. Careful selection of the right individuals is paramount."