IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell says that signing 27-year-old midfielder Andy Drury from non-league Luton Town is a ‘gamble worth taking.’

Drury is not available to face Derby County in a Championship fixture at Pride Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) as the paperwork was not completed at the Luton end in time.

He could make his debut in the home fixture against Sheffield United on Saturday – with other Town transfer window capture Jimmy Bullard set to make his Town debut tonight.

“Andy is a good addition,” said Jewell.

“He can play central midfield or wide and has good delivery.

“Every transfer is a gamble and I can see this one is well worth taking.

“People will not be jumping off their seats, but it’s important not to dismiss players who may just need a break.

“It might take Andy a while to settle in, but I’m sure he’ll prove a good signing and when I heard that he had a clause in his contract that he could be sold for �150,000 I upped my interest having seen him play for Stevenage and a bit for Luton.”

Drury, who played a leading role in Stevenage’s promotion to League Two as Blue Square Premier champions last season, has signed a two and a half year contract.

He lined up alongside Steve Morison – who is now at Millwall – in the Stevenage side that beat York 2-0 in the 2009 FA Trophy final at Wembley.

“There were a couple of clubs interested but as soon as I knew Ipswich wanted me, my mind was made up instantly,” said Drury.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to come here and show what I can do at a top football club.”

Luton Town manager Richard Money said: “The most disappointing thing for me, and I guess a lot of people is that I really enjoyed watching him play.

“We tried really hard to give him an improved contract but that’s life, we move on and, who knows, we might get him back on loan one day.”

Jewell has given an insight into what makes Bullard tick.

“He is a freak of nature, being able to play 18 holes of golf, train and then go and do some fishing – and being good at everything.

“He has quality is very enthusiastic and can give us bit extra.

“I don’t think he fitness will be a problem, but I have had a chat about doing too much too quickly. But he’s so full of energy and he’s raring to go.”