Paul Lambert believes new signing James Bree will ‘add competition’ in the Ipswich Town defence.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town have signed right-back James Bree on loan from Aston Villa. Photo: ITFCIpswich Town have signed right-back James Bree on loan from Aston Villa. Photo: ITFC (Image: Archant)

The 21-year-old arrived on loan from Aston Villa on deadline day, becoming the seventh January addition and taking the number of Ipswich loanees to six.

Only five can be used in a matchday squad, meaning one of Bree, Callum Elder, Trevoh Chalobah, Matthew Pennington, Will Keane and Collin Quaner will need to be left out.

MORE: ‘Sometimes the table can lie... I don’t think we’re a bottom three team’ - Lambert believes in his side

“That is a situation I’ll have to manage but I’m delighted to have James with us,” the Town boss told the club website.

East Anglian Daily Times: Matthew Pennington is staying with Ipswich Town despite interest from Derby County. Picture: PAMatthew Pennington is staying with Ipswich Town despite interest from Derby County. Picture: PA (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

“He did really well at Barnsley before getting his move to Villa. It took a while for him to settle in there - that’s the way it often is for young players when they get a big move like that

“He has broken into their first-team this season and done well. He knows the division well and he will add more competition at the back for us.”

MORE: ‘I would be massively interested’ – Will Keane open to idea of permanent Ipswich Town switch