Town have signed Republic of Ireland international midfielder Conor Hourihane from Sunderland. The 19-year-old turned down a deal at the Stadium of Light and has signed a one-year contract at Portman Road this afternoon.
Born in Cork, Hourihane, who was linked with a loan move to the Blues last summer, will be well known to Keane and assistant Tony Loughlan from their time with the Black Cats.
A Republic of Ireland U19 team-mate of Town's Ronan Murray, Hourihane, who has also won caps at U17 level, plays all across the midfield, usually centrally for the Irish side, and can also operate behind the main striker.
While with Sunderland, Roy Keane gave the 5ft 9in tall youngster first team experience in pre-season friendlies, but he is yet to play a competitive senior game.
Hourihane says he felt his chances would be limited on Wearside: "I was offered a new contract at Sunderland but there are a lot of players up there and when I found out about Ipswich's interest, I felt it was the right move for me.
"I know the manager from Sunderland and a few of the lads from Ireland. I have played with Ronan Murray in the U19 team and I've known Shane O'Connor for a long while.
"When I see what Shane has achieved after being given a chance here, that's what I've got to aim for.
"I'm grateful for the chance Ipswich have given me and the manager has told me that I've got to get my head down and work hard and see what develops from there.”
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