Ipswich Town sign Keith Andrews from Blackburn Rovers

Andrews was 28 when he made his international debut for Ireland in 2008

Ipswich have signed Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews on loan from Blackburn until January.

The 30-year-old midfielder made only five league appearances last season due to an ongoing groin injury.

He told BBC Radio Suffolk: "I didn't want to be in an out of the team this year and I need to be playing football so I can feature for my country.

"I don't see this as a step down at all. I see myself coming here and hopefully making a good impression."

Andrews said he was unlikely to return to Blackburn, who he joined from MK Dons in 2008, after a difficult relationship with some of the club's fans.

"I've always conducted myself very well so it's refreshing to come to a football club where you're appreciated," he said.

"I've gone in there from League Two so it's a massive jump and I've conducted myself right from the second I walked in to the club until the second I left."

Andrews started his career at Wolves where he made his first league appearance in March 2000.

Loan spells at Oxford, Stoke and Walsall followed before a move to Hull in 2005.

After a year at the KC Stadium he moved to MK Dons where he was part of the promotion-winning side of the 2007-8 season.

Andrews added that he is close to full fitness after a disrupted year.

"I haven't played a lot in pre-season due to the situation going on and how long this has been dragged out but I'm fighting ready to go," he said.

"I'm sure the manager will put me in when he sees fit, and I'm dying to get going."