HE’S known for his wand of a left foot, but Ipswich Town new boy Anthony Wordsworth insists he won’t be a luxury player during a relegation fight.

The 24-year-old has been signed from Essex neighbours Colchester United to add some much-needed creativity to the Blues midfield, but he is also acutely aware that manager Mick McCarthy will be demanding hard work as well as technical ability.

“I know I’ve got to give everything and get my fitness levels up to Championship standard,” said the London-born player, whose style of play was labelled ‘languid’ by ex-U’s boss John Ward.

“The quality is obviously going to be a lot better. Some of the players here have played in the Premier League and already I’ve seen that the tempo in training is quicker and everything is a lot sharper.

“I look to create things and I’ve got a good goalscoring record. People say I’m deadly from set-pieces – hopefully I can prove that here.”

With the Blues now just four points above the Championship relegation zone, Wordsworth is unlikely to go straight into the team for tomorrow’s visit of Middlesbrough to Portman Road due to the fact he has been out of action for three weeks through suspension and League One games being called off.

“This is a big club and a big step up for me,” he said. “I was at Colchester since the age of 16 and had some great years there, but I think this was the right time to move on.

“Tommy Smith came on loan to Colchester, while Tom Eastman came to Colchester from Ipswich.

“They couldn’t speak highly enough of the club and I think Ipswich are always a club that Colchester players look up to – it’s where we want to be.

“I thought it was just a matter of time before I made it to the Championship. It’s been difficult to get here, but now I’m here I’m determined to get a place in the team and keep it.”

Used to playing in front of crowds of around 3,500 at The Weston Homes Community Stadium, Wordsworth is particularly excited about playing in front of 15-20,000 people at Portman Road.

“I can’t wait,” said the midfielder. “I played a pre-season game here once and that was probably the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of. Hopefully I can thrive on it.”