Town loanee Dominic Samuel is like every striker in football — he wants to score goals and the more the merrier.
A broken toe sustained soon after his arrival from Reading put paid to his chances of making an instant impact, but it has strengthened his resolve to make as telling a contribution as possible between now and the end of the season.
Asked about his strengths as a player, Samuel, who made his debut as a late substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Birmingham, said: "I’m quick, I’m skilful and I’ve got an eye for goal, so hopefully I will get a chance to show that.
"I have had other loan spells and they helped me a lot, especially when I was younger playing men’s football and learning what it takes to play in the league.
"I had a few games for Reading as well this season so I know what it takes to play in the Championship. I’m one of the younger boys but I would say I’ve got used to it now. The main thing is keeping your foot on the gas and not taking any shortcuts in training.
"As a young boy all I wanted to do was play football and even although Reading are doing well in the league and fighting for promotion I just wanted to play and to get more minutes into the bank.
"Whatever is going to happen at the end of the season only God can tell but I just want to play as much as I can. When I heard Ipswich were interested I thought it would be a good club to go to and get some more games.
"As a striker you always want to get off the mark at a new club and you always want to score goals too. But for now I’ve got to be patient as well.
"I might come on in one game and not score but then I could score the next time. For now I just need to keep working hard. The hard work will pay off and the goals will come.”
Samuel was given his senior Reading debut by Dutch boss Jaap Stam early this season and he netted twice — in wins over Blackburn and Burton to not only assist the Royals’ promotion push but also deny two clubs currently in the thick of the relegation battle.
He added: "Jaap Stam gave me my full debut this season and I’ll always be grateful to him for that and giving me the chance to play in the Championship, as well as making me who I am today.
"I’m taking the learning experience from him and bringing it with me to Ipswich. Hopefully I can help the team.
"Would I like to be at Reading long-term? I wasn’t really expecting that question and I don’t know. Football’s a funny sport and you don’t know where you’re going to end up.
"For now I’ll just keep myself to myself, keep staying match fit and do what I have to do here. Then wherever I’m going to be at the end of the season, only God knows.”
Samuel was a wanted man in January, with Southend boss Phil Brown on record as saying he wanted him at Roots Hall, and he added: "There were a few clubs interested, a few Championship teams as well. I just let my people off the pitch deal with all that and I just concentrated on staying fit.
"Whatever the right club was meant to be that’s where I would end up and it was here. I feel things happen for a reason and there must be a reason for me to end up here. I haven’t regretted anything.”
Meanwhile, defender Jordan Spence says he's enjoying his time at Town and would welcome the offer of an extended deal with his short-term contract up at the end of the season. Manager Mick McCarthy has already said he is thinking about offering the 26-year-old a new deal.
"I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here,” Spence, who was without a club until joining the Blues in January, told the official site.
"It’s been great to be back in the thick of things. If the chance came to stay here, obviously that would appeal but that’s not a priority for me at the moment.
"It’s about being part of putting on a positive spin to the end of the season here."