Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Massimo Luongo until the end of the season.
The Australian returns to Portman Road after a brief loan spell with the Blues in 2012, joining on a free transfer after his Middlesbrough contract came to an end.
The 30-year-old has spent much of the last fortnight training with the Blues and, with manager Kieran McKenna liking what he saw from a player he worked with at Tottenham, the club have moved to bolster their midfield ranks.
"It’s been 10 years or so since I was here before and it’s great to be back," Luongo said.
"I want to be in a team that’s doing well and I think that this is a good opportunity here. I’m delighted to get the deal done and now I’m focused on helping the team get promotion."
Town boss McKenna added: "Massimo is an accomplished midfielder with an abundance of experiences in club and international football.
"He is a versatile and intelligent player who strengthens our options for the second half of the season. His experience and professionalism will also be an important addition to our dressing room."
Town had been working on a move for Peterborough United midfielder Jack Taylor, but it’s understood the arrival of Luongo means their midfield recruitment is likely complete this month.
Luongo arrives at a time when captain Sam Morsy and Lee Evans are McKenna’s first-choice pair, with Cameron Humphreys acting as back-up and Dominic Ball out for the remainder of the season.
Prior to his time with Middlesbrough, during which Luongo didn’t make a first-team appearance, the Sydneysider spent three seasons with Sheffield Wednesday, four at QPR and two with Swindon Town.
He came through the academy at Tottenham, working with McKenna in the Spurs youth system and making one senior appearance along the way.
Luongo has won 43 caps for Australia, scoring six goals, while also earning a place in the Socceroos squads for both the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
He also won the Most Valuable Player award as Australia won the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil.
Luongo will wear the No.25 shirt with Town.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here