DAMIEN Delaney's transfer to Ipswich Town was held up for an hour yesterday having been provisionally agreed weeks ago.The 27-year-old was held back from his official unveiling at Portman Road for over an hour yesterday afternoon while Town representatives were left nervously waiting on their QPR counterparts to send through some last minute paperwork.

Stuart Watson

DAMIEN Delaney's transfer to Ipswich Town was held up for an hour yesterday having been provisionally agreed weeks ago.

The 27-year-old was held back from his official unveiling at Portman Road for over an hour yesterday afternoon while Town representatives were left nervously waiting on their QPR counterparts to send through some last minute paperwork.

However, chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed that the transfer had been in the pipeline for some time and it is believed to have been provisionally agreed before former Town boss Jim Magilton - a known admirer of the versatile full-back - took over at the London club.

Clegg said: “It's been ongoing for a little bit of time but has really come to a head over the last week or so. We are delighted to have Damien here.”

Left-back Delaney - who can also operate at centre-back and midfield if required - said: “I'm really pleased to be here at a club moving in the direction it is moving in. Roy (Keane) wouldn't come here for the sake of it, he's an ambitious person and I'm an ambitious player. He's told me his plans and the speed he wants to do things

“I'm not getting any younger, I want to be successful and I want to do it while I'm in my prime. One thing I can promise fans is a lot of effort.”

Keane said: “I'm delighted that Damien has agreed to join us. He's a player that I have kept an eye on for a while and I'm sure he will prove to be a valuable addition to our squad.”

Delaney, who will train with the Blues for the first time today, started his career with hometown club Cork City before Peter Taylor signed him for Leicester City where he made eight Premiership appearances.

Following short loan spells at Stockport County, Huddersfield Town and Mansfield Town, Delaney signed for Hull City for �50,000 in 2002 and in his second season he was voted player-of-the-year as the Tigers were promoted to the Championship.

After six years at Hull, the Irishman signed for QPR in January 2008 and four months later - at the relatively late age of 26 - he received his first international call-up under new manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Delaney was a virtual ever present during his one a half seasons at Loftus Road, scoring three goals in 57 league and cup appearances.