AARON Cresswell says he is ready for the challenge of playing in the Championship with Ipswich Town.

The 21-year-old left-back has agreed to join the Blues after his contract came to an end at League One club Tranmere Rovers.

Town will try and negotiate a compensation price with the Merseyside club, but if a deal can’t be agreed then a tribunal will dictate a fee for their Liverpool-born player.

“It was the easiest decision ever to come here,” said Cresswell, who met his new team mates at the Playford Road training ground this morning on what was the first day back for pre-season.

“I enjoyed my time at Tranmere and it will be hard to leave home but joining Ipswich is something else.

“It’s a big club and it’s a big step up for me but I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take it. It’s the next stage in my career and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Handed his debut by Tranmere at the age of 19 he was in-and-out of the side for his first two seasons there but took his game to a new level in his third professional campaign.

Playing over 40 games, the 5ft 5in left-footer consistently produced solid defensive displays. His most eye-catching asset however is a pin-point delivery from open play crosses and set-pieces.

Jewell added: “We watched a lot of games and he was one that came up. He’s not the biggest in the world, but he’s got a really good left foot. He’s got a lot to improve on but coming here we think we can improve him.

“He’s terrific on set plays. He’s got a lot to learn stepping up a level, but sometimes if you don’t take a chance, no one ever steps up.

“He’s a player that Ipswich fans won’t know a lot about. He has potential, we’ve brought in potential, and we’ve also got Joe Whight and Mark Kennedy at left-back.

“He’s a player that might not get people off their seat, but I think he’s going to be a decent player.”

Jewell, who spoke to former Town striker and ex-Tranmere coach David Lowe before making the signing, says even he has trouble understanding his fellow Liverpudlian’s accent.

He said: “I think it’s the first time the kid’s been out of Liverpool. He looks like someone out of Grange Hill!

“I spoke to him on the phone last night and I couldn’t understand him! I told him to slow down. I don’t know what I must sound like!”

He added: “We’re still talking to Tranmere trying to negotiate something for him, but he’s signed for us today and he’ll be our player from today.

“If we can’t agree a fee with Tranmere that will go to a tribunal, but hopefully the clubs can come to an agreement.”