Supple, 22, ends career

ONE of Ireland’s most promising young goalkeepers has sensationally retired from soccer having “fallen out of love with the game”.

Ipswich Town’s Republic of Ireland U21 star Shane Supple announced his decision to call time on his career at the age of just 22 yesterday.

‘‘Playing professional football is not something I want to continue doing,’’ Supple said. ‘‘As you grow up you realise there are other things in life and to be honest, the game is not what I thought it was.’’

Supple played a key role in Ipswich’s FA Youth Cup triumph in 2005 and he saved a penalty in what proved to be his last appearance, a shoot-out victory over Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup last week.

Ipswich have agreed to cancel the Dubliner’s contract at his request to allow him to pursue a career outside of professional football immediately.

Supple now plans to return to Ireland to spend time with his family and consider his options which, he insists, ‘‘won’t be in football’’.

“There is not one reason why I have made my decision, there are a number of factors,” he said. ‘‘Deep down, my heart is not in the game anymore and I’m not going to go into work every day trying to convince myself it is, so it’s the right time to walk away.

“I suppose you could say that I have fallen out of love with the game and when that happens I’ve always said to myself that I wouldn’t hang around.’’

Supple, who had brief loan spells at Falkirk and Oldham, was quick to praise Ipswich manager Roy Keane for the way the former Manchester United midfielder responded to the news.

‘‘I want to thank the manager for the support he has given me,’’ Supple said. ‘‘He was a bit shocked when I told him and I expected that but he understood my reasons. He’s been first class.”

Meanwhile, Cyprus goalkeeper Antonis Giorgallidis is expected to miss the World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Nicosia next month. The Omonia Nicosia No 1 is still recovering from a knee ligament injury suffered in the 2-2 draw with Montenegro in June.