Andy is digging it at Town!

EX-digger driver Andy Drury filled the boots left by former �5million-rated Jimmy Bullard at Portman Road on Saturday, and they fitted a treat!

When Bullard was playing in the Premier League for previous clubs Wigan and Fulham, Drury was playing football part-time while working on building sites. But now they are on a level footing.

Midfielder Drury worked his socks off in central midfield, in what was full debut in the Football League at the age of 27.

The former non-league stalwart impressed in Ipswich Town’s 1-1 home draw against Hull City, and until Tigers substitute Jay Simpson intervened with a slick 85th minute headed equaliser, it looked as though his big day would be marked with a victory.

Jason Scotland’s 58th minute opener had put Town on course for a fifth win from Paul Jewell’s first seven league games at the helm. But even two dropped points did not take the gloss off Drury’s first Portman Road outing.

He has a tall order to keep former Premier League big gun Bullard out of the team - the 32-year-old Hull loanee was not allowed to play against his parent club on Saturday.

Bullard should return at Championship leaders QPR tomorrow evening, but Drury won’t be giving up his place without a fight.

“I hope I won’t wake up and find it’s all been a dream, otherwise I will go back to sleep again!” explained Drury.

“I don’t feel it’s a dream. It’s a challenge that I have been looking forward to.

“I felt comfortable out there, and want to try and keep my place. With Jimmy out, there was a space to fill. The manager gave it to me.

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to keep the shirt, and if not, I will have to work as hard as I can to get my place back again.

“Jimmy’s OK, Jimmy’s all right!” added ex-Stevenage and Luton man Drury.