Ipswich v Birmingham: New Ipswich Town loan striker Luke Varney will hope to be the latest loan ranger to make a positive impact at Portman Road.

The 32-year-old has penned a three-month loan deal from Blackburn Rovers and will be a success should he prove to have the same sort of impact that the likes of Jonny Williams, Richard Stearman and David McGoldrick have had during temporary spells under McCarthy.

Varney has failed to score in 24 games since signing, initially on loan, from Leeds last February, but it’s not as simple as the striker having never found form at Ewood Park.

Rovers are under a transfer embargo which caused difficulties for the former Crewe man.

“I believe it’s something that my advisor put forward,” said Varney.

“As I am over 21, if I played five games I counted (as an established first-team member). Blackburn are only allowed 24 and they have 22. That would have stopped them bringing players in.

“I played really well against Leeds and won a penalty and then didn’t play a minute in the next five games which was a bit of a weird one.

“The manager (Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer) was brilliant though with me and we left on good terms.

“I’ve not played a lot of football, apart from 15 minutes in the FA Cup against Stoke, and I spoke to Mick (McCarthy) and the main reason for coming here was to get a few minutes and help out as much as I can.

“There was a bit of interest from other managers who told me I would probably start games straight away, but to be in a position here to be part of something that has been so special all season, and to get the chance to work under Mick (McCarthy) was a great pull and it’s something I am really pleased I have done.”

Varney could make his first start tonight, having made his debut at the weekend, his new manager having been pleased with his impact to date.

“I am delighted he has joined us and he has proved every bit to me in the few days that we have had him that it was a good decision to go and get him,” said McCarthy.