Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of midfielder Stephen Gleeson on a free transfer from Championship rivals Birmingham City.

The 29-year-old playmaker – who was due to be out of contract in the summer – has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Gleeson made just five appearances for Wolves under the management of Mick McCarthy (2006-2009) and was loaned out to Stockport, Herefeord and MK Dons.

The Dublin-born midfielder eventually signed for MK Dons and was a regular for them during a five-year period in League One before moving to Birmingham in the summer of 2014.

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East Anglian Daily Times: Stephen Gleeson has signed a contract to the end of the season. Picture: ITFCStephen Gleeson has signed a contract to the end of the season. Picture: ITFC (Image: Archant)

Gleeson clocked up more than 100 starts in the Championship for the Midlands club, but has fallen down the pecking order of late. He has made just seven appearances this campaign – the last of which was back on December 9.

Speaking after completing his move, Gleeson admitted joining up with McCarthy once again was an easy decision: “He gave me my first professional contract and gave me my debut at Wolves, along with Terry Connor,” the new signing said.

“I know them quite well and the minute I heard of the interest I couldn’t wait to jump at the opportunity to come down and help us in any way I can.

“Hopefully I can get a bit of game time over the next few months and help the club push on in the league.

East Anglian Daily Times: Birmingham City's Stephen Gleeson applauds the fans after the gameBirmingham City's Stephen Gleeson applauds the fans after the game (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

“It’s been a frustrating year, year and a half not playing games. I just need that fresh start and to get that at a club like Ipswich is magnificent.”

Town required central midfield cover due to long-term injuries for Emyr Huws, Teddy Bishop, Andre Dozzell and Tom Adeyemi.

Cole Skuse is playing with an ankle problem at present, Luke Hyam has only just returned from a long-term injury, while teenagers Tristan Nydam and Flynn Downes have struggled with niggles and knocks in their breakthrough campaigns.

Gleeson’s arrival is likely to see the transfer-listed Kevin Bru move on in the January transfer window.

Town signed defender Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan from Tottenham earlier today, the 20-year-old having spent the first half of the campaign at high-flying Championship club Sheffield United.

His arrival is likely to see long-serving Blues defender Tommy Smith be allowed to join his former New Zealand boss Anthony Hudson at MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Both of the new recruits will go straight into the Blues squad for tomorrow’s game at Bolton Wanderers. Carter-Vickers will wear No.27, while Gleeson has been handed the No.25 shirt.

Football League clubs can field a maximum of five loanees in their matchday squads. Town now having four loan players in Carter-Vickers, Dominic Iorfa (Wolves), Callum Connolly (Everton) and Bersant Celina (Manchester City).