Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that he tried to sign new striker Joe Garner from Preston prior to his move to Rangers last summer, as TWTD reported earlier this month. The Blues completed a £1 million deal to bring the 29-year-old back to England earlier this month.
"We’ve been watching him for quite a while because we tried to sign him before, before he went to Rangers,” McCarthy said.
"He’s always been on our radar. I thought it was a great move for him when he went to Rangers, despite my Celtic connections.
"But it’s not particularly worked out for him that one, they’ve had trouble and a new manager’s come in and he’s been made available and I’m delighted to get him.”
As mentioned by new team-mate Jordan Spence earlier this afternoon, Garner has a reputation for being a feisty competitor.
"That is one of the reasons why I brought him in,” McCarthy added. "Bearing in mind I played centre-half for a long time, I didn’t mind playing against players who fancied a scrap, but they’re the ones that every time you turn out you know what you’re going to get - it’s going to be a physical encounter and you’re not going to be left alone.
"I’m not just talking about the physical side, but the running in channels, sticking the ball, fighting you. Joe’s got that in abundance and he’s got goals in him and I’m delighted we’ve got him.”
In addition to Garner and Manchester City youngster Bersant Celina, who is close to completing a season-long loan switch, McCarthy is pleased to have re-signed Spence on a two-year deal, the right-back’s short-term contract having expired.
"Jordan was excellent I thought when he came back in the window at Christmas last season,” he added.