The attraction of working for boss Mick McCarthy convinced new loan signing Luke Varney to join Town, rather than the other clubs keen to recruit him on loan from Blackburn.

Varney, 32, admitted: “There was a bit of interest from other managers who basically told me that I would probably start games but with the lads in the position they are in, and to be part of something that has been so successful so far this season, I decided to join Ipswich.

“To work under Mick was also a great pull and something I’m really pleased to have done.

“I’ve been sub a lot in the last couple of years and when I’ve seen him I’ve always thought I would like to play for him.

“Some of his comments are good and when I think back I have played quite well against his teams over the years, so that was something that helped me to decide to come here.

“A lot of players have asked me about him and said they would also like to play for him.”

The much-travelled striker made a huge impression on the Town boss, particularly in November 2010 when he netted a stunning third-minute goal in a Premier League fixture for Blackpool against Wolves (which he can be seen celebrating with ex-Blue DJ Campbell and Charlie Adam above), who were managed by McCarthy at the time.

Varney recalled: “It was a big game for us because we were both down near the bottom. Ian Evatt hit it long to me on the left and I managed to chest it, got a great contact and it flew in the top corner.

“I remember running over to Ian Holloway and I think I caught Mick in the corner of my eye, sort of poker-faced as if he wasn’t really too bothered about it.

“But he did mention it when we met and said it was probably one of the best goals he has ever seen, so hopefully I can replicate one for Ipswich while I’m here.”

McCarthy wasn’t the only onlooker who was impressed because none other than Prince William, president of The Football Association, was also in the crowd to enjoy the majestic strike.

Varney added: “After the game I went upstairs to get the champagne and Prince William was there. He shook my hand and said the goal would live long in his memory.

“I think he was on a stag party in Blackpool so he’d have had a good night after that.

“I think it’s the best goal I’ve scored, especially as it was in the Premier League and we got the win as well. It was a big day for us.”

If Varney has his way he will be back in English football’s top flight again in the not too distant future, perhaps even with Town if all goes according to plan over the final weeks of the current campaign.

He said: “I definitely feel I could do a job in the Premier League. The last couple of years have been frustrating because I’ve not played a lot of games and I started late as a professional as well.

“My age might say differently but I feel a lot younger than I really am. Mick said he didn’t even look at my age because he knows about me and that I’ve still got a lot left in me. I feel like I’ve still got a lot to offer.”

Photo: Action Images

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