Kieran McKenna reacts as Ipswich Town finalise transfer agreement | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna has issued his verdict on the signing of Richard Keogh to Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys’ boss believes that the veteran defender will be a great addition to his squad due to his experience and the quality he has shown in the last 12 months.

Ipswich confirmed the move on Wednesday morning having come to an agreement over a deal with Blackpool on Tuesday.

The 35-year old spent the season with the Seasiders, becoming quite the fan favourite during his short stint at Bloomfield Road.

But he has now made the move to go back to where he began his career having come through the ranks of the League One side’s youth academy.

The Ipswich boss is looking forward to seeing him return to full fitness so that he can contribute to the team’s ambitions for the season ahead.

“Richard is a fantastic addition to the group,” said McKenna, via the club’s official website.

“He is respected in the dressing room and has been through the highs and lows in football. He will be valuable to us over what is a long season.

“His experience at club and international level is great, and he can still contribute having played a good number of games with Blackpool last season. He is an intelligent player and reads the game very well.

“He had a little niggle not too long ago, but is fit now and will join up with the group immediately.”

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Keogh missed the opening two games of the season for Blackpool due to an injury suffered during a pre-season friendly against Everton.

But he is expected back to full fitness soon, as Ipswich look to compete for promotion from the third tier this campaign.

Up next for McKenna’s side is the visit of MK Dons to Portman Road on August 13.

The Verdict

Keogh will be an excellent addition to Ipswich’s squad once he gains his fitness.

The Irish international performed well at second division level last season so should stand out as a top performer in League One if he carries those performances into this campaign.

He also brings a vast level of experience and can become a dressing room leader to the team.

It is also nice to see a player return to where their career began as they wind down on their time as a professional, with Keogh likely to see out his playing days at Portman Road following this move.