Luke Varney might not be just a quick fix for Ipswich Town, says manager Mick McCarthy.

The well-travelled striker, who turns 34 later this month, was released by the Blues at the end of last season only to be offered a five-month deal just a week into the new campaign.

It was a move which, ostensibly, was as temporary emergency cover for David McGoldrick, the latter due back from an ankle injury towards the end of November.

Daryl Murphy has since departed to Newcastle United though and, while Brett Pitman, Leon Best and Freddie Sears are forward options, Varney’s hold-up play makes him a valuable asset at present.

Speaking after Varney stepped off the bench at half-time to score the winner in Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory at Derby, McCarthy said: “Didzy got injured, I knew Reg (Varney) hadn’t gone anywhere, I think Burton were sniffing, Port Vale were talking to him, so I went in.

“I knew I could trust him, I knew he would fit and I knew he would give us something.

“We took him on a short-term contract and listen, if he does great, and he wants to stay then he can. And if he’s ripping it up and someone else wants to sign him, then he’ll have options.

“I’m delighted for him, I really am, I hope he has those options and we are wanting to keep him because he’s a great guy around the place.”

Meanwhile, on McGoldrick, McCarthy said: “He is five weeks into his rehab, and I think we were talking about 10-12 weeks overall because he didn’t need an operation. You can see he’s over his frustration now – he is a lot more positive and brighter.”