Free agent winger Tommy Oar has signed for the Blues, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with an option for a further season. As reported earlier, Oar arrived at the club earlier today to formalise the details of his contract and to undergo a medical.
"It’s a perfect move for me,” Oar told the club site. "I’ve spoken to Mick McCarthy a few times and I can tell it is a club with ambition.
"Moving to England was always my preferred option and when a club likes Ipswich comes up, it’s going be a great opportunity for me and I’m delighted that is has worked out.
"I watched Ipswich play a few times on TV last year and the team had a great year. I’m just looking forward to being involved here now and helping the team try to get in the Premier League.”
Australian international Oar, 23, left Dutch side FC Utrecht at the end of last season after five years, having made 105 Eredivisie appearances, scoring four goals.
The Queenslander was previously with the Brisbane Roar, having played youth football with Palm Beach and QAS.
Oar has won 25 full caps, scoring two goals, having made his international debut in March 2010.
He is now set to join up with the Australia squad for World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh in Perth on Thursday and against Tajikistan in Dushanbe the following Tuesday.
Oar was a member of this year's Asian Cup-winning squad but played only one game from the bench.
Very happy to have signed with Ipswich town. Can't wait to get started!!! @Official_ITFC @WassNetherlands pic.twitter.com/bu33TMHuWm– Tommy Oar (@TommyOar10) August 29, 2015
The wideman was included in the 28-man provisional squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but didn't make the final cut.
Having been in the squad for the U20 World Cup in Colombia in 2011, Oar then started all three of the Socceroos' games at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Prior to joining the Blues, he was close to joining Athletic Bilbao but the deal fell through as he was deemed to have insufficient Basque heritage, despite his paternal grandparents having come from the region.
Athletic only recruit players from the Basque country or who have come through their youth system.
Oar also received interest from clubs in the Middle East and elsewhere abroad, and had also been linked with Brighton, Hull City and Fulham.
Meanwhile, defender Piotr Malarczyk was pleased to make his debut as a half-time sub against Brighton, despite ending the game on the losing side
"I am very happy to sign for Ipswich Town and I’m excited to be here.
"It was good to get some time on the pitch today, although it wasn’t the result we wanted.
"Credit to Brighton, they are a very good side and they played with a lot of pace. But we can still hold our heads up high.
"I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the fans are very lively. I have always wanted to play in England and I’m happy to be here now.
"My English isn’t the best but it helps having Bartosz with me and he’s helping me settle in. All of the players have been very welcoming. I just want to work hard every day and show people what I can do.”
Photo: ITFC