Grant Leadbitter has revealed he has joined Ipswich Town to push on with his career rather than play a bit-part at Premier League Sunderland.

The £2.6m midfield signing said: “It’s a fresh challenge for me, one I was looking forward to as soon as I heard of the interest from Roy. I wanted to be here and want to push on with my career.

“Roy was a big factor in it. I know what he wants from a player and hopefully I’ll bring that to Ipswich and help us push on.

“When someone of the stature of Roy wants you at his football club, you’re going to come.”

Town fans can expect some all-action displays from the 23-year old.

He said: “I’ve been brought up to give 100 per cent. I’m a committed player, I like to get on the ball and hopefully I can bring quality to the side.

“I like to play in the middle of the park, but I’ve played on the right and I’m happy to do a job anywhere.”

“It helps knowing someone who is coming to the club as well.

“I’ve played with Carlos (Edwards) at Sunderland for a few seasons now and he’s going to be a big addition to the club.”

Town chief executive Simon Clegg said Leadbitter had been on their radar for some time.

He said: “Grant was one of the first players that Roy identified that he’d like to bring to the club, some months ago.

“It has been an ongoing process for some time, but as soon as we got permission to speak to the player, we were able to conclude things in a fairly swift manner.”