ONE week before their FA Vase fourth round tie at Lowestoft Town, Ipswich Wanderers are close to pulling off a major signing coup.Manager John Clarkson confirmed today that an international player, who has been training at Humber Doucy Lane, is set to get international clearance to sign a six-month contract with the Ridgeons League club.

By Elvin King

ONE week before their FA Vase fourth round tie at Lowestoft Town, Ipswich Wanderers are close to pulling off a major signing coup.

Manager John Clarkson confirmed today that an international player, who has been training at Humber Doucy Lane, is set to get international clearance to sign a six-month contract with the Ridgeons League club.

“I cannot reveal the name of the player as I don't want to risk losing him,” said Clarkson. “But he is French speaking and played in the 2006 World Cup.

“He certainly looks the part in training, and hopefully things will be sorted soon. He has returned to his home country, and is expected to return with the necessary paper work.”

Wanderers, who have a tough match at Premier Division title challengers Wroxham tomorrow, already have Brazilian Fabio Botti on their books.

“There are people around who are looking after the interests of some very good foreign players,” added Clarkson. “I am surprised that professional clubs have not shown more interest, and our potential new signing sees a move to us as a platform for showing his skills to a wider audience.”

Wanderers have Neil Shade (food poisoning) and Sean Bell (hamstring) doubtful tomorrow, but they should be fit for the Lowestoft game next weekend.

Felixstowe and Walton United are at home to Richard Carter's Diss Town, while Woodbridge Town entertain Newmarket Town with speedy forward Joe Francis likely to feature after a having a three-day trial with Ipswich Town between Christmas and New Year.

In the First Division, Walsham-le-Willows can go level on points with leaders Swaffham with a home victory over Thetford. Fifth-placed Hadleigh will overtake Debenham Leisure Centre if they collect three points at bottom-placed Godmanchester.

Debenham are involved in a Touchline Sports Suffolk Senior Cup quarter-final at Metaltec SIL Ransomes after the game was abandoned at half-time last Saturday because of a waterlogged pitch.

Debenham were winning 1-0 at the time, but joint manager Mel Aldis is under no illusions about the task his players face tomorrow.

“Ransomes played last week as we expected,” said Aldis, who runs the side with Trevor Wardlaw.

“They were well organised, hard working and dangerous going forward.

“We know we have to be at our best to go through. With Portman Road just two wins away my players need no motivation.

“The difference in leagues will make little difference because apart from Stuart Jopling my players were all involved in the SIL until relatively recently.”

Tomorrow's winners will play Capel Plough or Grundisburgh in the semi-final, with this all-SIL clash postponed last Saturday and scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Cornard, penalty kick winners over Brantham, and Stowmarket Town, victors over Crane Sports, meet in the other semi-final on March 3.