Town have confirmed the signing of Blackburn striker Luke Varney on a one-month loan with an agreement in place for him to remain at Portman Road for the remainder of the season. Paperwork permitting, the 32-year-old is set to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Reading.
Varney, who has been handed the number 15 shirt, comes in as a direct replacement for Noel Hunt, who has now been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury, while David McGoldrick has missed the last two matches with a thigh problem.
"It’s a big blow for us and obviously a big disappointment for Noel as well,” manager Mick McCarthy told the club site.
"He’s been great around the place and he’s made his mark on the pitch as well. We’ll look after him and we wish him a quick recovery.
"Luke is an experienced striker who knows what the Championship is all about, as well as playing in the Premier League and he fits in with what we are looking for in a player. We’re delighted to have him here.”
The striker, who if the loan is extended will be available to the Blues in the play-offs if required, was close to a move to Millwall prior to the transfer window closing, while Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday also understood to have shown interest.
"I’d had a couple of clubs interested in me but to be honest, once I’d heard of Ipswich’s interest there was only one place I wanted to go to,” he told the club site.
"The lads are flying right now and to be involved with a club that’s right in the mix with a manager such as Mick McCarthy at the helm, it was something that really interested me.
"I had a good chat with the gaffer who has told me I’ll be given the chance to play and help the strikers we already have at the club.
"The boys have been fantastic so far this season and if I can use my experience and help in any way, then brilliant.
"The gaffer has made me feel wanted and that’s all I’ve wanted. I had a difficult spell at Blackburn but I’m looking forward to this challenge.
"Already the lads have made me feel part of it and that’s all I’ve wanted really. I’m excited to pull on the Ipswich shirt and help the lads continue to push for promotion.”
Varney started his career with Crewe and has subsequently had spells with Charlton, Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Portsmouth and Leeds before joining Rovers on a one-year deal in the summer following a loan at the end of last season.
The Leicester-born 5ft 11in tall striker has made only one start - in the Capital One Cup in August - and 13 sub appearances during 2014/15.
Photo: ITFC