IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton says that it was on the recommendation of his defenders that he increased interest in Chester City striker Jon Walters.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town manager Jim Magilton says that it was on the recommendation of his defenders that he increased interest in Chester City striker Jon Walters.

The 23-year-old signed a three-and-a-half-year deal on Saturday night.

It means a quick-fire return to Portman Road for the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 cap after he featured in the League Two side's FA Cup third round replay defeat by Town 11 days ago.

Birkenhead-born Walters, who qualifies for Ireland because his mother was born in Dublin, passed a medical and at 7pm signed a Town contract that takes him to the summer of 2010.

The transfer fee will rise to a maximum of £200,000 depending on appearances and promotion.

Magilton said: “Our defenders said that Jon did not give them time to relax in the two cup games. He did not let them settle and was a handful in both matches.

“I like the edge he has about him and he has the attributes to play at a higher level.

“I had watched his progress for a while and as soon as I spoke to him I knew he was the right man.

“His signing takes the pressure of our current front runners and I can see Jon combining well with Alan Lee.

Walters, who will wear the number 19 shirt and be in the squad for Tuesday's Championship game at Stoke City, said: “The phone rang when I was making myself tea on Thursday telling me of Ipswich's interest.

“I needed no persuading having recently played at Ipswich, and with better players around I am sure I can up my goal output.

“I have had a brief taste of what life is like at Portman Road - and I want some more.

“It has been a rather stop-start career for me because of family problems and now is time to move forward.

“Having been with Blackburn and Bolton I have the desire to get back in the Premiership and I am sure I can achieve this with Ipswich.”

After starting as a youth with Blackburn, Walters made four substitute appearances in the Premiership with Bolton.

He spent time on loan at Hull, Crewe and Barnsley. Hull paid £50,000 for him three years ago and after a loan spell at Scunthorpe he signed for Wrexham in July 2005.

Chester took him on a free transfer last summer and he has scored 11 times in 33 matches this season.