Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on importance of goalkeeper Joel Coleman

Kieran McKenna believes that Ipswich Town shot-stopper Joel Coleman has an important part to play during the second half of the season.

The goalkeeper made the move to Portman Road in November after an injury to third-choice Nick Hayes.

Although he is unlikely to feature on the pitch, Coleman extended his deal with Town until the end of the season last week.

The Town manager has shed light on just how important a third-choice goalkeeper can be.

"He's very important," said McKenna.

"I always think your second and third goalkeeper have so many important roles in the squad. The second goalkeeper, which has been Vaz (Vaclav Hladky) is more visible and around the bench, maybe playing in some games.

"I think the third goalkeeper is a very important role. Nick Hayes was doing that role ever so well, and when we lost him to injury we didn't want to weaken the goalkeeping department as we feel that it's very strong. We were very happy to get Joel in the building."

McKenna added that Coleman's attitude since he arrived has been 'excellent'.

"You need to be ready to push not just the goalkeepers but also pushing the forwards and the outfielders," added the Town boss.

"It's such an important role from a dynamic for all your training sessions. Nick was doing a really good job at it, but Joel has come in and been excellent in terms of his performances in training."