Town unveiled their new number 35-shirt Mark Burchill this afternoon and he goes straight into the squad for the home game with Everton on Saturday.

Town manager Goerge Burley said he had watched Burchill for a long time and sees him as "similar to David Johnson in many ways. We've got players to complement him."

Burley added: "It's a good time for Mark to come to the club. I'm very pleased and I'm sure he'll do well."

Burchill said of hs first impressions of the club that: "It looks a good set-up, it's the first time I've been here. It's brilliant to come to a side so high in the Premiership."

He has seen Town play a few times this season: "I've seen a few games on Sky, the Spurs game for example. I though the team played good passing foootball."

The Scot also took advice from a Town old boy: "Bobby Petta told me how good it was here and what a wrench it was for him to leave." Which may come as a surprise to some fans.

Of the Town management team Burchill said: "The gaffer's a bit of a legend in Scotland. It'll be a joy to work under a manager of such a high standard."

And of Tony Mowbray: "Fans still love Big Mogga up there!"

Initially the deal is for three months and the striker is not looking any further than that. George Burley seemed hopeful that it may become a permanent deal and said that Burchill was by no means the finished article and was definitely one for the future.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls