ANDY Drury could start showing today why he is so pleased to have swapped the black and blue for the blue and white of Ipswich Town.

The 27-year late developer is in the Blues squad for this afternoon’s Championship game against bottom-three Sheffield United at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm).

Signed from Blue Square Premier Luton Town on transfer deadline day on Monday the midfielder thinks that a step up in grade will suit him, and ease the pain.

“I will hopefully not have so many bruises,” he said.

“In the Blue Square only four or five clubs want to play football.

“Against the rest I had to get used to being clonked – around five or six times a game. That added up to a lot of bruises.

“Having watched Ipswich play at Derby County on Tuesday there is much more football played in the Championship and I should have more time on the ball.

“It was disappointing after getting on the coach looking to feature in the squad at Pride Park being told that the paperwork had not been completed in time.

“But in hindsight it was perhaps a blessing in disguise as it gave me an opportunity to see what Championship football is about having seen precious little of it.”

Drury gave a preview to Town fans of what they can expect from him.

“I don’t really mind whether I play through the middle in a three or wide in a four-man midfield,” he said.

“Playing wide gives me more scope and a better opportunity to score goals.

“I have confidence in my ability and this has been added to by having a respected manager like Paul Jewell pay a little money for me. Hopefully I can pay him back.

“There were a couple of other Championship clubs interested, but I told Luton that I wanted to go to Ipswich, so they had no choice because of the (�150,000) release clause in my contract.

“I haven’t come here to just sit about in the reserves. But most people haven’t seen me play, so it’s going to be a big challenge.”

With so many midfielders on their books Drury knows he has to do well to become heavily involved, but he has the security of a two and half year contract.

Town are playing reserve games against Colchester and Southend at Playford Road with 2pm kick-offs on Wednesday February 16 and Wednesday February 23 respectively.

Both matches were originally scheduled for Portman Road, but the pitch has suffered during the difficult winter.