JIM Magilton has welcomed the tough-tackling Ben Thatcher to Ipswich Town and expects his experience and steel to benefit the Blues' leaky defence.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton has welcomed the tough-tackling Ben Thatcher to Ipswich Town and expects his experience and steel to benefit the Blues' leaky defence.

The 32-year-old goes straight into the squad to face Burnley on Saturday and along with Iván Campo goes some way to help replacing Jason de Vos, Fabian Wilnis, Sylvain Legwinski and Sito Castro.

Magilton said: “We lost that experience last year and Ben will help us in the dressing room and with the youngsters.

“Ben has played in top quality sides and has Premier League experience.

“He has already travelled with us and the lads got to know him a bit when he came with us in Belfast.

“Just adding that sort of experience helps bring the sort of composure you need.”

Thatcher has a 15-game ban hanging over his head, although the suspended sentence will end after Towns game with Watford and Magilton is not concerned by the threat.

He said: “Ben has had that hanging over his head for the past couple of years so it doesn't bother me.

“He will tell you he is looking forward not back.

“He is coming to a good club who has given him an opportunity to come and play.

“Tackling is a big part of his game and that is why so many big clubs have sought him. You can't win anything without aggression but you have to do it the proper way.”