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Striker Luke Varney says he appreciates Ipswich helping him with his rehab from an Achilles injury, after his release by Championship rivals Blackburn.

The 32-year-old injured himself in the play-off semi-final first leg against rivals Norwich while on loan at Town.

"I was in bits in the changing room, high on gas and air, I was crying," he told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Suffolk.

"It makes you realise how close things are to changing. I was about to sign a contract at the club."

Varney added: "The first thing the gaffer (Mick McCarthy) said to me was 'don't worry, the club will look after you'.

"Straight away after the operation, it's trying to think of the best way forward."

The former Crewe forward had been offered the use of facilities at St George's Park in Staffordshire, near his family, by the Professional Footballers' Association but chose Ipswich to be closer to his Town team-mates.

He has undergone surgery for the injury and has his eyes set on an October comeback.

But he did admit he turned down the chance to stay at Blackburn in the hope of a deal at Portman Road.

"There were discussions going on with Blackburn. I think they were going to offer me something but I made it clear to the manager I wasn't going to return even if they were to offer me any sort of wage.

"I still would have stuck with Ipswich because I've enjoyed my time here and am desperate to get back playing. People say I'm here to do my rehab, but I want to put the shirt back on."