The Republic of Ireland's fourth-choice goalkeeper, Keith Branagan, has been snapped up by Ipswich Town on a free tranfer from Bolton.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper played nearly 270 games for Bolton in a seven-year period at the club but he lost his place in the side last October when he was replaced by Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 31st minute of Bolton's league game against Huddersfield at the Reebok Stadium.

Ipswich manager George Burley brought Branagan on loan to Portman Road in the latter stages of the campaign and was very impressed by his application in training despite not getting a game.

Branagan verbally agreed the deal in March but only put pen to paper when the team returned for pre-season training last week.

George Burley said: "Keith was outstanding for us during his loan period and I'm very pleased he has agreed to sign for us. He is a very accomplished goalkeeper and has experience of playing in the Premiership."

Branagan may even be between the posts when Ipswich make their top-flight return at Tottenham on August 19, if Richard Wright has moved on by then.