IPSWICH Town have confirmed the signing of midfielder Anthony Wordsworth from Essex neighbours Colchester United.

The 24-year-old playmaker has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, with the option of another year after that. The fee has been described as undisclosed, but is believed to be in the region of £200,000.

London-born Wordsworth came through the U’s youth academy and has made a name for himself in League One with his superb left-foot deliveries, both from open play and set-pieces.

Joe Dunne made him skipper at The Weston Homes Community Stadium when he took over last September, with the midfielder leaving the club just shy of his 200th appearance. He scored 35 goals during his time at the club.

“I’m obviously delighted to be here. It’s a big challenge and a big opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get going,” Wordsworth said.

“I had opportunities to move last January but this feels the right time and the right club to make that step up.

“I can remember playing here for Colchester in a pre-season game a few years back and looking around the place and thinking what a big club Ipswich is and now I’m relishing the opportunity I’ve got here.”

Wordsworth spent a few days training with Town at the start of the month and always hoped he’d be coming back.

“I was suspended for Colchester so took the opportunity to train with Ipswich and talk to the manager here,” he added.

“I felt the three days had gone well and I left my boots at the training ground hoping I would be going back there!

“There was talk of other clubs being interested in me but Ipswich was the only club that I wanted to join and I’m delighted I have been given the chance to show what I can do.”

He will go straight into Mick McCarthy’s squad for Saturday’s visit of Middlesbrough.