Ipswich Town new boy Paul Digby admitted the chance to work with Mick McCarthy was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse after joining the Blues on-loan from League One Barnsley, initially until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old is an England international at under-19 and 20 level and has joined the Blues with a view to a permanent signing in the summer.

His manager, McCarthy, began his career with the South Yorkshire club and Digby is keen to benefit from the 56-year-old’s experience

“I’m buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Digby revealed to the club website.

“The move has been on the cards for a little while as I have been training with the lads for a few weeks and I’ve settled in really well with all the boys.

“I haven’t played as much football as I would have liked at Barnsley but my match fitness is fine and I’m ready to go if called upon. This was an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down really.

“The gaffer’s career speaks for itself and I feel I can only benefit from working with him and his coaches day in, day out as well as training alongside established, quality Championship players.

Digby burst on to the scene with Barnsley as a midfielder, but has only featured three times for the Reds this season, and only once in the league.

However, he feels he is ready to make the step up to Championship football, having watched his new team-mates for the first time at Burnley at the weekend.

“I sort of burst on the scene at Barnsley and then things haven’t quite worked out, but I’m hoping to get my career back on track with Ipswich now.

“I’m a quite a versatile player and I’ve played most of my football in central midfield for Barnsley, but I think the gaffer sees me as more of a centre-back.

“I can also play at right-back but to be honest I’m just happy to help out wherever I can. I was at the Burnley game sat in with the fans and they made a lot of noise, so I’m just itching to get started and play in front of them now.”