Trialist striker James Alabi has signed a one-year deal with the Blues, which includes an option for a further season. Town manager Mick McCarthy revealed that the 20-year-old former Stoke and Celtic frontman had been offered terms at the end of last week.
Alabi, released by the Potters at the end of last season without having made a senior appearance for them, played in the Town U21s’ victories over Leeds and Coventry and scored a goal in each game, impressing the Blues boss.
"The trial has gone well,” Alabi told the club site. "I just got my head down and showed the manager what I can do.
"I see this at the start of my career now. I don’t think I have really had the opportunities at other clubs but the manager here has told me to come in, work hard and we will see what happens.
"I was offered something at Sheffield Wednesday but I knew Ipswich were interested in having a look at me and I’m delighted to have got a contract sorted. Now it’s up to me to impress Mick McCarthy.”
Over the moon to have signed for @Official_ITFC time to work hard and help get Ipswich where there meant 2 be #PremðŸ™ðŸ¾ pic.twitter.com/j40Z0NHpls– Jay'Dr (@JamesAlabi) August 24, 2015
The Londoner played youth football with Stoke and then Celtic before returning to the Britannia Stadium and then spending spells on loan at Scunthorpe (twice), Mansfield, Forest Green Rovers and Accrington Stanley. In January he had a trial with Dutch side De Graafschap.
Alabi could be involved in tonight’s U21 game against Cardiff City at Portman Road (KO 7pm).
Meanwhile, ex-skipper Carlos Edwards has rejoined his former club Millwall on a short-term deal until January having overcome the serious knee injury he suffered at the start of last season.
The 36-year-old's previous contract with the Lions was up at the end of June.
Photos: Action Images/ITFC