Former loanee Luke Varney has signed a contract until the end of the season and will be on the bench for Saturday’s home game against one of his former clubs, Derby County.

Manager Mick McCarthy said: “It’s a deal to the end of the season. I’m absolutely thrilled that he’s recovered from his injury and he’s back to playing and that he’s signed for us and we’ve got him now to the end of the season. And we’ll se what happens beyond that.”

Varney ended last season on loan with the Blues from Blackburn, who released him in the summer.

The 33-year-old suffered a ruptured achilles in the play-off semi-final against Norwich and underwent his with Town over the summer. He recently returned to match action when he played the first 45 minutes of two U21s games.

McCarthy confirmed that Varney, who has been given the number 42 shirt, will be on the bench on Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

mutters added 13:52 - Dec 18 Excellent, though not sure how others will feel if he gets a chance ahead of them. Especially if he plays out wide with the 'wingers' we have in the club. Still nice to see him back.
2

Keaneish added 13:54 - Dec 18 Good news. Very underrated in my opinion. Won't get you tonnes of goals but solid and reliable. Will be good to have off the bench. McGoldrick, Fraser, Bishop, Varney and one of Skuse or Bru on the bench Saturday? Tasty.
6

PJH added 14:01 - Dec 18 Good news-we already know that he(if fit)is a good addition to our squad.
4

jas0999 added 14:02 - Dec 18 Very good news to hear he has recovered from a very nasty injury. Certainly no harm giving him a deal until the end of the season. Whether he is match fit, well time will tell. Lastly well done to ITFC for supporting him through his rehabilitation. Many clubs wouldn't have done.
12

theipswichman added 14:09 - Dec 18 Strength and depth just gets better, with Mcgoldricks injuries this is actually a very important signing. Four top championship strikers and a hard working decent back up in Varney.
3

mickeyjb added 14:09 - Dec 18 Pleased for him, let's be honest he won't be on big bucks will he. I think he deserves a chance as he looked alright last year. Again something different from the bench if needed. It was a bad injury but I think with today's methods of rehab he should be fine. He's had six months to rest the rest of his body which isn't a bad thing at his age. This story is defiantly a case of someone being looked after and not just discarded when things went wrong, nice to see ITFC, up to you Luke to show us why you have that contract and to repay the faith Mick has in you.

8

mutters added 14:11 - Dec 18 Jas0999 - well said. Shows the quality of our club in the way they have treated him, especially at his age as it would have been easier to just move on.
7

weevil added 14:38 - Dec 18 Now that Didsy is on the sidelines for god knows how long, having someone like Varney come in who will literally cover every single blade of grass is a great signing. Looking forward to seeing him in action again.
5

muccletonjoe added 15:26 - Dec 18 Great . smashing . super
2

algarvefan added 15:31 - Dec 18 Well done to the club for standing by him, think he is an excellent addition to the squad and was just beginning to show his full potential when he picked up his injury. Quality and experience and the right attitude. Good luck Luke.
3

senduntd added 15:38 - Dec 18 Liked him from the start. Very pleased for us and the player.
3

Fatboy added 15:41 - Dec 18 A good target man and a like-for-like replacement for Murphy. Wouldn't be surprised to see him come on for he last 10-20 minutes against Derby and cause them a few problems.
1

Bluebell added 15:41 - Dec 18 Great news and an immediate replacement for Didzy while he is out. Heres hoping he can regain the skill he showed us last season before he was injured. A really good addition to the squad.
3

essex57 added 15:42 - Dec 18 Great news will be more beneficial to the club than DM Who In My Opinion Has Sulked Since He wasn't allowed to go to Leicester.
1

Razor added 15:54 - Dec 18 This is fantastic news as it now seems Didds is a busted flush. He will be fresh and new and does owe us, perhaps he will get on the end of some of those long throws!!
1

sidtheswan added 16:43 - Dec 18 Think similar to Pitman so won't be a regular but good back up especially with sick note out again
1

afcfee added 16:58 - Dec 18 Basically a new signing get in. Sort of player other teams hate playing against proper chuffed
3

runaround added 18:35 - Dec 18 Welcome back Reg. I was impressed with your efforts last season
2

hampstead_blue added 19:03 - Dec 18 Good. Runs and hastles and has a finish.
0

Radlett_blue added 19:17 - Dec 18 42 is the answer to everything - but not to our striking problem, I guess.
-2

Pip50 added 20:43 - Dec 18 Credit to Ipswich Town FC and Mick.
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