Jonathan Parr is more than capable of filling the void left by Aaron Cresswell at Ipswich Town.

So says former Blues defender David Wright, who was a big admirer of Parr during their time together at Crystal Palace.

Parr, 25, last night completed his free transfer switch to Portman Road after holding talks with boss Mick McCarthy. The duo will fly out to Ireland today to link up with the rest of the Blues squad ahead of their first pre-season game, against Shelbourne on Saturday.

The Norwegian international – who has penned a two-year deal – has big boots to fill following the £3.75m sale of Cresswell to Premier League side West Ham, the latter having been named in the Championship Team of the Year last season following 13 assists from full-back.

Wright – who combines playing for Colchester United with youth team coaching at Ipswich Town – said: “This is a great bit of business.

“Jonathan’s a very good player, a great athlete and an excellent professional as well. He’s a very intelligent lad and knows what his body needs and always trains really well. I am sure Mick has taken that into consideration.

“He’s got a lot of experience at Championship level, played a few games in the Premier League last season and has a few caps at international level. I think he’ll be a really good signing for Ipswich.”

He continued: “Aaron Cresswell did

exceptionally well for Ipswich and he deserves his move, but Jonathan has the attributes to fill the void – even if they are slightly different players.

“Jonathan is bigger in stature, very powerful and very fit – he’ll get up and down that line all game long. He can put a few quality deliveries into the box too.”

Parr becomes Town’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Cameron Stewart, Stephen Hunt and Alex Henshall. The Blues are also understood to be in talks with Notts County regarding the signing of keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, the Polish custodian having worked with Blues goalkeeper coach Malcolm Webster at Southampton.