George Burley: Hopes Le Pen can do Petta job (Clive Brunskill/Allsport)

The 27-year-old, who helped Lorient win promotion to the top flight last season, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract after joining for a seven-figure fee.

Le Pen, who has also played for Rennes and Laval in France, has scored seven goals in each of the last two seasons, but is renowned more for his creative qualities.

Town manager George Burley said: 'Ulrich is an attacking wide player.

'He has many qualities; a good left foot, is a good crosser and has the ability to take players on, in the mould of our former player Bobby Petta.

'I feel he will give us abilities which we don't have in the squad at present. We don't have any natural wingers and I feel he will give us different options down the left-hand side.'

He added: 'We are looking to turn the possession we have had in games into goals, and hopefully Ulrich can help us do this with his pinpoint crosses.'

Le Pen will go straight into the squad to face Bolton on Sunday.

'In the last two or three seasons he has reached his potential,' said Burley. 'He has scored seven goals in the last two years and currently has the most assists in the French Premier League.'

The player himself told the club's website: 'I am very pleased to be here at Ipswich. It is the highlight of my career to come to the Premiership and it will be a good challenge here.'