Arsenal defender Mark McGuinness is delighted with his loan move to Ipswich Town.

McGuinness says he is looking forward to the challenge of fighting for a first-team place having signed for Town on a season-long loan from Arsenal.

The 19-year-old centre-half put in an impressive display when Arsenal U21s visited Portman Road in the EFL Trophy earlier this month, but will switch red for blue this term.

"I am very happy to be here," he told the club's website.

"After getting the deal sorted I was really looking forward to training and it went well. I met the group this morning - they're a great bunch of lads.

"I'm hoping to be involved in plenty of first-team matches here. The lads have started really well, so I know I'll have to impress and I won't just walk into the team, but I'm up for the challenge.

"My main priority is defending and I want to help the team keep as many clean sheets and be as solid as possible.

"I also enjoy getting on the ball, though. I can see this squad try to play out from the back and that's something that will suit me and benefit me.

"The experience here could be invaluable to me. I want to make the most of it and help the Club achieve what it wants."