Town boss Paul Jewell has revealed new signing Ryan Stevenson chose the Blues ahead of a number of other clubs - including Championship sides - some offering longer term deals prior to agreeing to an initial 18-month contract at Portman Road on Saturday. The Blues agreed a £50,000 fee with Hearts on Friday with the 27-year-old’s contract including an option to extend his deal in the summer.
Jewell said: "We’ve been aware of him for quite a while and we thought this might be a situation to get him away from Hearts.
"I know [former Hearts manager] Jim Jefferies well and I spoke to him and one or two other people in Scotland, including the Scotland manager Craig Levein, and they speak highly of him, so we’re happy to have him.
"He could have gone to a couple of other clubs on longer contracts but he was keen to come here and prove himself.”
The Blues boss says the one-time Ayr United and St Johnstone man will add goals to the Blues’ midfield: "He’s got a goal in him, he’s an attacking midfield player.
"He can play in a number of positions and played up front for Hearts on a couple of occasions we saw him, but primarily we see him as a midfield player.”
Stevenson himself added: "The move was a no-brainer for me really. When a club the size of Ipswich shows interest in you then you don't really need to think twice and I was keen to come down here.
"There are some really good players in the squad here, some who have played in the Premier League, and I want to come in, play my part and try and help the side push up the table."
The paperwork is complete on the deal with international clearance received and Stevenson, who will wear the number 16 shirt, could face West Ham tomorrow, although having been out of action due to a wage dispute with Hearts since December is short on match fitness and may not be considered quite yet.