Keeper Shane Supple is out for the season having sustained a knee injury while out on loan at Oldham. The Republic of Ireland U21 international made five appearances for the Latics, but failed to win a game during that time.

Ex-Town boss and current Oldham manager says Supple could play if necessary but that neither club will be taking that risk in the Latics' two remaining games: "Shane could play in an emergency but there is no point at this late stage of the season. "

Royle expects a big future for Supple and says his goalkeeper-coach also thinks highly of the 21-year-old: "I see Shane as a natural successor to Shay Given for Eire.

"Though Shane is not the biggest keeper, he is still 6ft and he is quick and commanding.

"Mark Crossley has played at the highest level, including for Brian Clough, and he has been very impressed with Shane.”

Supple is out of contract at the end of the season and may well opt to move away from Portman Road with his opportunities having been limited at Town. Recently, former Blues goalkeeper-coach Andy Rhodes, now in a similar role at Preston, kept a close eye on the Dubliner when in action for Oldham at Leyton Orient.

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