Shane Supple insists he can still have a positive impact at Ipswich Town this season – despite playing second fiddle to Richard Wright.

The Blues goalkeeper has been an ever-present on the bench – apart from one Carling Cup start – as the former England man has well and truly established himself as number one at Portman Road.

But Supple (pictured) is far from disillusioned about his current predicament.

And he feels that having developed a more mature, philosophical attitude as his career has progressed, he can still have a major say on the way his rival performs.

“I’m still as ambitious and hungry as ever, but I fully understand the situation with Richard,” the Irishman told the Gazette.

“He’s playing very well and deserves to be playing at the moment. I’ve got no complaints.

“From my point of view, I’m training as hard as ever and I want to push him all the way.

“Richard’s made one or two exceptional saves this season and I like to think that by keeping him on his toes I’m spurring him on.

“My attitude is that I want to contribute in some way and, although I can’t really do that from the bench, I can do it everyday in training.

“When I was younger I wouldn’t accept it and would feel down.

“Now I try and take a more mature attitude and think of the ways I can contribute, even if I’m not playing.”

Supple, almost certain to be on the bench again for Town’s Boxing Day date with Birmingham City at Portman Road, is thoroughly enjoying working with Wright.

“We get on really well,” he said.

“In fact it’s probably the best relationship I’ve had with any goalkeeper at the club.

“I knew the gaffer was looking to bring an experienced goalkeeper in during the summer and it turned out to be Richard.

“I also get on very well with (goalkeeping coach) James Hollman.

“We work well together and have a laugh.”