JIM Magilton today confirmed that goalkeeper Shane Supple still has a big part to play for Ipswich Town.The 19-year-old has spent the majority of the season in the reserves and went in to see his manager to discuss his future.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton today confirmed that goalkeeper Shane Supple still has a big part to play for Ipswich Town.

The 19-year-old has spent the majority of the season in the reserves and went in to see his manager to discuss his future.

However, he was assured by Magilton that his time will come.

Magilton said: “Shane had every right to come knocking on my door.

“He is the reason Lewis Price has kept the jersey so long.

“It is because Shane has been so good in training that Lewis has been at his consistent best. Lewis cannot afford a drop in standards.”

Explaining the reasons why Supple has been left somewhat in the cold, Magilton said: “Shane had a meteoritic rise.

“In his first year he just got better and better, culminating in me giving him the number one jersey last summer.

“However, after three early defeats I felt we needed a change, not because Shane had done anything wrong. It was not personal.

“The switch coincided with a run of good results.

“This is the first time in his career Shane has had to ask questions of himself and nobody is more focused.

“He is the ultimate professional and he will come again.”

Magilton said he has the bit between his teeth to finish the season on a high, starting with three points against Barnsley at Portman Road on Saturday.

“I am desperate to put down a marker for next season,” added Magilton, who admits his afternoon training sessions have not gone down too well in some quarters.

“Some players have found the adjustment a little bit difficult and some wives may have had something to say.

“I know the feeling as my wife has had a bit to say as well, but it gives us more time to concentrate on the job in hand.

“There is more time to prepare and overall it is working well.”

Steve Foley, the technical skills coach, has just returned from Valencia where he took advantage of the two-week break to catch up with the latest coaching methods at the top Spanish club, while goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes is to spend time with Bayern Munich.