diff --git a/vars/debian.groovy b/vars/debian.groovy
index 82faacf..079a4b1 100644
--- a/vars/debian.groovy
+++ b/vars/debian.groovy
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ def waitForRepoPackage(String packageName, Map params = [:]) {
   def expectedVersion = params.expectedVersion ? params.expectedVersion : null
   def delay = params.delay ? params.delay : 30
   def waitTimeout = params.timeout ? params.timeout : 2400
+  def asPattern = params.containsKey("asPattern") ? params.asPattern : true
   
   def message = "Waiting for package '${packageName}'"
   if (expectedVersion != null) {
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ def waitForRepoPackage(String packageName, Map params = [:]) {
       }
 
       def versionFound = packages.find {
-        def matches = it['version'] =~ expectedVersion
+        def matches = asPattern ? it['version'] =~ expectedVersion : it['version'] == expectedVersion
         println("Comparing expected version '${expectedVersion}' to '${it['version']}': ${matches}")
         return matches
       }