ANDY Drury is relishing the chance to prove himself at Championship level.

The midfielder admits that his dream move from non-league Luton Town to second tier Ipswich Town looked like it was about to fizzle to an anti-climatic end just a few weeks ago.

The 28-year-old had been sent out on loan to League Two club Crawley Town, with a permanent transfer fee agreed should the temporary switch prove to be successful.

Crawley failed to match the asking price though and suddenly Drury has found himself playing a key role in the Blues surge back up the Championship table.

“You have to understand that football is a business nowadays and if the club doesn’t want to sell you for a certain price then you’re not going anywhere,” said Drury.

“I was concerned it might leave me without much chance to play, but luckily for me though it’s worked out well so far.”

He continued: “I always thought I would be good enough to play at this level and it’s nice to be given the chance to prove it.

“You do look round sometimes at the players that are out of the team, but you have to remind yourself that you’re keeping them out on merit.

“A lot of the boys that have come in hadn’t had a lot of football previously. We’re enjoying it and are keen to prove ourselves every game.

“I just go out there and give 100% of what’s in my body – I think a lot of the boys are like that. We’re working really hard for each other.”

He continued: “Coming from non-league, I appreciate being in the Championship but it doesn’t change your attitude towards the game. Whatever level you play at you just go into every match aiming to give your best and play your own game.”

With Town boss Paul Jewell scouring the lower leagues for hidden gems, Drury added: “There are some good players in the lower leagues, sometimes it just comes down to who is luckiest enough to get the chance. Hopefully the gaffer might be able to pluck a couple more from down there.”