Ipswich Town new boy Stephen Hunt insist he has kept himself in good shape following a number of months without a club.

The 32-year-old left-winger missed much of last season through a combination of calf and hernia injuries. He returned to action in March, but couldn’t prevent Wolves from being relegated to League One.

One of several high earners to be reluctantly released by the Midlands club in the summer, Hunt returned to his native Ireland to work with a personal fitness trainer. He then spent some time training with Ipswich after calling upon his former boss Mick McCarthy, after a moves to Blackpool and Millwall fell through.

Hunt – who goes straight into the Town squad for tomorrow’s game at Blackpool – told the club website: “I’m delighted to get the deal done and I’m looking forward to playing for Ipswich and getting some minutes on the pitch.

“I’m hungry to get on the pitch and show people what I can do and I’ll be giving my all to Ipswich. I trained with the lads in pre-season so I know most of them and I should have no problems settling in.

“Obviously I know Mick and TC (Terry Connor) too and they are honest guys. You know exactly what you will get with them and they were big factors in me coming here.

“It’s been a frustrating summer for me. I turned down a few offers that maybe I should have taken, whilst at the same time I’ve been mucked about by a few clubs.

“But that’s gone now and I’m delighted to sign for Ipswich. I know it’s a reliable club with a good reputation and tradition, so I’m looking forward to get playing.

“I’ve kept myself in good shape and looked after my body but I will only know how fit I am by getting out there and playing.

“I’ll be ready when called upon and hopefully the adrenaline will push me on and the lungs will hold up fine.”