Boss Jim Magilton says he is confident he will be able to bring in a new keeper as cover next week to allow Shane Supple to join Grimsby on loan. Supple, 21, is keen to move away from Portman Road on a short-term basis to gain first team experience.

Magilton told the club site: "Grimsby are keen to take Shane and we are hoping it can all be confirmed some time next week.

"It's the hardest position in the squad, understudy keeper, and the lad is desperate to play games, so we've been trying to get him out on loan for a few weeks.

"We can't let Shane go though until we have tied up a keeper as cover for Richard Wright and I'm confident we will be able to confirm that next week."

Supple will go to the Mariners for an initial month with a view to staying at Blundell Park for the remainder of the season.

Last season, Supple, who has played only one Carling Cup tie for Town this term, spent time with Falkirk but the 21-year-old made only four appearances for the SPL side in half a season. The Irish U21 international has made 35 starts and two sub appearances for the Blues.

Town are likely to be looking for a senior keeper in the same mould as Nick Colgan, who covered for Supple when he was at Falkirk.

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