Town have signed Republic of Ireland international Alan Quinn on an emergency loan with a view to a permanent move. The 28-year-old will join the squad this weekend but will not be involved against Blackpool on Saturday.

TWTD first reported http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/showNews.php?id=7126&loc=1>Town's interest in Quinn two days after the transfer window opened.

Boss Jim Magilton told the club site that Quinn is a player he knows well: "We had to move fast when I heard Alan might be available and we are delighted to have him at the club.

"He will meet up with the players before the Blackpool game but won't be involved and will then start working with us from next week.

"I've known Alan since he was a lad and he will come in and freshen things up for us and I'm delighted he is with us.”

Dublin-born Quinn started his career with Sheffield Wednesday, for whom he made 180 appearances, scoring 17 goals, having played his youth football at home with Cherry Orchard.

The 5ft 9in tall midfielder spent seven years at Hillsborough, aside from a brief six-game loan spell with Sunderland, before switching to Sheffield United on a free transfer in 2004.

Quinn has made 109 appearances for the Blades, scoring 11 goals, but hasn't played for the first team since November.

Capped eight times by the Republic of Ireland, Quinn is contracted to Sheffield United until 2010. Quinn played alongside his brothers Stephen and Keith at Bramall Lane.

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