HIS credentials as a true blue are proven – and now Ipswich Town new boy Scott Loach is determined to show that he is the real deal on the pitch too.

The 24-year-old keeper was called up to two England squads in 2010, but by his own admission has seen his career plateau a bit over the last two seasons.

And now he’s hoping a dream switch to the club he grew up fanatically supporting will enable him to hit those heights again.

“I’ve seen some bits of reaction here and there from supporters and it’s been overwhelming,” said Loach, who pleaded with new Watford boss Gianfranco Zola to sanction his move.

“Now it’s my duty to keep those smiles on their faces. I want to prove to people that not only am I one hundred per cent Ipswich through and through, but that I’ve also got the ability to take this club forward.

“I’ve been in England squads before and my aim is to get back in and around that sort of level again.

“No disrespect to Watford because they gave me chance and got me where I am today, but I felt I needed to go to take the next step and I believe Ipswich is it.

“Just look at (David) Stockdale last year, he was an England regular during his time here. The pedigree of this club gets you recognition.”

Born in Nottingham, Loach’s family moved to Halstead in Essex when he was aged four.

“I went to St Andrews Primary School and everyone there was a mad Ipswich fan,” recalled the keeper nostalgically.

“Basically, my two best mates said I had to support Ipswich or I wouldn’t have any friends! I started going to games with my dad aged six and just fell in love with the team and stadium. Then when the club asked me to join the academy a couple of years later all my friends were really envious.”

He continued: “Coming back today has brought a lot of memories flooding back. I remember watching David Johnson and Bobby Petta doing some shooting practice on the training area just out there and being mesmerised. I was like a kid in a sweet shop that day – just as I am now really.

“Richard Wright became my absolute hero and I was genuinely gutted for weeks when we lost to Bolton (in the play-offs).

“When my family moved back to Nottingham in 2000 I always kept wearing my Ipswich shirt with pride. I’ve always stayed a fan.”

With Paul Jewell still hoping to add three more signings, Blues chief executive Simon Clegg added: “One deal is moving from tepid to fairly warm. I’m hopeful that over the next couple of days we can make another announcement.”

The Blues have been locked in talks with Derby County, trying to negotiate a fee for transefr listed striker Steve Davies.