RICHARD Stearman has signed a loan deal with Ipswich Town that will run until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old, who can play at centre-half or right-back, has found himself down the pecking order at Molineux under new boss, Dean Saunders.

Stearman should make his Blues debut at home to Middlesbrough, on Saturday – most likely at right-back – now loanee Bradley Orr has returned to parent club, Blackburn Rovers.

Ex-Leicester player Stearman, who stands at 6ft 3ins, has been capped at England Under-21 level and is already closing in on 250 Football League appearances.