FORGOTTEN goalkeeper Shane Supple has not enjoyed the happiest of Christmases.He revealed today he will have to consider his future if Ipswich Town bring in another keeper on loan during the transfer window that opens next week.

By Elvin King

FORGOTTEN goalkeeper Shane Supple has not enjoyed the happiest of Christmases.

He revealed today he will have to consider his future if Ipswich Town bring in another keeper on loan during the transfer window that opens next week.

Manager Jim Magilton brought in Wigan's Mike Pollitt in November and he impressed in the win over Norwich before being recalled by his Premiership club.

Supple, pictured, handed the number one jersey ahead of Lewis Price in the summer, has not been picked since the Sheffield Wednes-day home defeat on November 11 when he picked up a slight groin strain.

After playing in the opening three matches he has only taken part in five others and until today's Championship contest at Coventry the 19-year-old Irishman had been on the bench for the last seven matches. Supple said: “It is up to the manager and I respect his decisions. But it would be a blow if he was to bring in a second loanee goalkeeper.

“If so, I would have to see what my next move would be. It is very frustrating to be sitting on the bench, although I will just keep my head down and train as hard as I can.

“I have every confidence that my time will come again.

“But after being handed the number one jersey the manager's preference appears to have swung to Lewis (Price).

“This is an important time for the club with difficult matches coming up, and Saturday's defeat against Stoke City was a game we could have won.”

Following this afternoon's match at the Ricoh Stadium, Ipswich visit West Brom on Saturday - a side managed by ex-Town defender Tony Mowbray.

And next Monday Town open the New Year with a home encounter with Birmingham City.

Town's opponents in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday week will be confirmed at a Football Association appeal on Thursday when Bury will state their case after being expelled for fielding a loan player who was not sanctioned in their 3-1 replay second round win over fellow League Two side Chester.