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.”
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