Kevin Bru has signed a new long-term contract at Ipswich Town – his deal now running until 2018 with the club also holding the option of an additional year.

The Paris-born, Mauritian international signed a one-year deal with the Blues back in the summer following a successful trial.

The 26-year-old attended French national football centre Clairefontaine as a youngster and was at Bulgarian side Levski Sofia last season. He was recommended to Town by former Norwich City striker turned agent Antoine Sibierski.

He has taken to English football quickly, impressing more and more during his 11 starts and 10 substitute appearances. An eye to spot a forward pass, plus the technical ability to execute them, has won over supporters.

“It’s been something we’ve been working on for quite a while,” said McCarthy. “I’m delighted because he’s been excellent.

“We’re taking players on free transfers and Bosmans. Sometimes ragamuffins come in the door and we take a look at them.

“I always think ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. I get agents saying ‘will you have a look at him?’. Yeah, I’ll have a look at him. I’ll tell you straight away if it’s worth keeping them for the following day and bit more.

“We took Balint (Bajner) and we took Kevin Bru at the same time. Balint’s contributed. He contributed in the first game, because we won (2-1 at home to Fulham), and he contributed at Birmingham (2-2 away draw), because he won the ball, we ended up crossing and scored the equaliser.

“Kevin Bru has just been different class though. He’s been outstanding and just got better and better.

“He started out at Clairefontaine as a kid. He’s got ability because they don’t put them in there if they’re rubbish.”