Shane Supple is hoping a loan spell in Scotland will boost his first-team chances at Portman Road.

The 20-year-old 'keeper is joining Falkirk on loan until the end of the season and by a strange quirk of fate, could make his debut against Neil Alexander's Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

"It's been frustrating for me this year because I've not played enough and I asked the manager if I could go out on loan," Shane tells the Club website.

"The reserve games are few and far between and the standard is not the highest either, so even when I was playing, I wasn't seeing too much action.

"It will be a good standard in Scotland and a new experience and it will give me the chance to prove myself.

"I will be back here in the summer and with Neil leaving, the shirt might be up for grabs. Hopefully, if I have done well in Scotland over the next few months then I will return to Portman Road in a good position to challenge for a place in the team."

Shane is currently away with the Republic of Ireland U21s, who play England in their European Championship qualifier at Southampton tonight.

While Shane will in Scotland at the weekend, Town take on Watford at Portman Road on Saturday in a crucial game between two of the promotion contenders. See the ticket page of the Club website for details.