MICK MCCARTHY admits it was a ‘no-brainer’ to sign his second striker from Rangers this summer after completing a deal for Martyn Waghorn.

The 27-year-old followed former Ibrox partner Joe Garner in making the move to Ipswich Town earlier this week.

Garner has wasted little time in making a name for himself at Portman Road as he netted the winner in the Championship opener against Birmingham City at the weekend.

He will now face competition for a starting spot from Waghorn after he put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with the Tractor Boys.

And Blues boss McCarthy is delighted to have the former Light Blues pair on board for the coming campaign.

He said: “I’ve always admired Waggy, so when I was told he might be available and that we could afford him it was an absolute no-brainer.

“First and foremost he is one of us; he wants to graft and put a shift in. He’s a trier and that’s a good starting point. He’s got good ability, he can play either side, but he’s got the number nine and will be a centre-forward.

“That doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to play. He’s got a hell of a task getting in the team the way Joe (Garner) and Freddie (Sears) played on Saturday. We’ve got Didzy (David McGoldrick) too.

“My hope was that I could get two players of equal ability for every position. If I want to change somebody then I feel I’ve got that choice now.

“Joe’s old school. TC (assistant manager Terry Connor) said ‘he could have played with us, him’ and I said ‘not half’.

“He’d have loved the real rough and tumble it was 30 years ago. He’s everything I’d hope for and a little bit more.

“I’ve always thought Waggy was a bit the same as that. If them two play together I think they’ll be a handful for everybody.”