RICHARD Wright has completed one mission, and today the 30-year-old goalkeeper revealed that he is now setting out to complete another.

Elvin King

RICHARD Wright has completed one mission, and today the 30-year-old goalkeeper revealed that he is now setting out to complete another.

After protracted dealings with Ipswich Town and West Ham, Wright's move to Portman Road has been confirmed - and now he has set his sights on winning back his England place.

He said: “You always have dreams and it was magnificent to gain two caps for England in my younger days.

“With Ipswich in a great position to go forward - and my aim is to help them reach the Premier League this season - it will give me an opportunity to knock on the door again of the England management.

“At my age I have still got many years ahead and I have learned a great deal during my time at Arsenal, Everton and West Ham.

“But Ipswich is where I feel at home and will bring the best out of me.”

Wright admitted that he had to be very patient for a deal that he was desperate to achieve was finally completed. Twelve months ago it looked as though he was on his way back to Ipswich and he recalled: “Perhaps I ran out of patience as things were not moving very quickly with Ipswich then in a different position to what they are now.

“Ever since Jim Magilton rang me to say he wanted me to sign - and it took me two seconds to agree - I have been telling any other interested clubs that Ipswich was for me.

“But it has taken time and I have to thank Jim, the club's owner and all the staff for this time showing patience and waiting for me to be able to sign on the dotted line.”

Wright admitted that he enjoys working with former Town goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster, who is now at Southampton and was in line to replace Andy Rhodes in a similar position at Portman Road.

James Hollman got the nod instead, and Wright confirmed that there were no problems in that direction.

“I speak to Malcolm every day and when things were not moving very quickly and I was getting a little bit concerned he was the one who kept me going,” said Wright.

“Ipswich will have a consultant goalkeeping coach in a way with Malcolm as James speaks regularly to him as well.

“I worked with James today and I know him from our youth days at Ipswich and am looking forward to our time together, which I am sure will be fruitful.”

Wright lives in the town with his wife and four children and said that the reaction from Ipswich fans to him has always been positive.

He added: “They gave me a great reception when I played in the Richard Naylor testimonial game last year and I simply cannot wait to be playing in front of them again.”

Striker Kevin Lisbie also trained with his new team mates today as Ipswich used their Portman Road ground for a session this morning to give them a change from their normal training ground routine at Playford Road.

The Blues continue their pre-season at Gillingham tomorrow before entertaining West Brom at Portman Road on Saturday when Wright is expected to make his 'home' return.

Blues' boss Magilton has not completed his summer signings, and he confirmed today: “We are very happy to get these two excellent players in this week and they will improve our squad a great deal but I am still looking to bring in further additions.”