Debutant goalscorer Tayo Edun admitted his late, late equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Blackburn was intended to be a cross rather than a shot at goal.

The 20-year-old joined the Blues on loan for the season from Fulham on Friday and went straight into the matchday 18.

The England U19 and U20 international came off the bench on the hour mark and struck his goal - his first in senior football - one minute into injury time.

“It’s great to get off the mark, both for me and the team, and it makes things easier,” the Londoner, who was playing only his eighth senior match, said.

“Was it a cross? Yes, definitely, but I’ll take it. I was looking to put the ball into the danger area because we had a lot of bodies in there and it turned out well with a goal.

Edun says he wasn’t sure whether he would be included in the squad so soon after making his move.

“I don’t know if I was expecting it but I was always ready and prepared to get involved in this game,” he added.

“The lads stuck at it and the fans backed us all the way. That’s something I am happy to be a part of and hopefully it will continue through the season.”

He says one or two other clubs were also keen to recruit him with Barnsley and Shrewsbury having been linked.

“There was a bit of interest here and there but Ipswich was the club I was set on joining, especially with Paul [Hurst] having come here and the type of football he wants to play," he said.

“I’d heard good things about the fans as well so I’m really happy to be here. What I like about Paul is the way he has pushed young players through and how they have made progress under him.

“That’s exactly what I am looking to do in coming here for the season. I’m expecting to become a better player.

“Me, Trevoh [Chalobah] and Andre [Dozzell] were at the Euros together [last summer] so it was good to see some familiar faces.”

Edun spent time on trial with MLS side the Portland Timbers earlier in the summer.

“That was a different experience but I’m happy to be settled here for the season,” he continued.

“I’m looking to get as many minutes as possible while I’m here and to learn. There’s a lot to learn from team-mates and coaches here. I know I’m not the finished article and that there’s a lot more to come from me. I’m trying to build myself.

What does he feel are his best attributes as a player? “I think I get in people’s faces and I get up and down the pitch. I’m energetic.

“My favourite position is [central] midfield but I came on today to play on the wing and I’ve also played at left-back a bit.

“Wherever the team needs me I’ll be doing my best for them. There’s good competition for places here.”

Blackburn striker Danny Graham scored his team’s first goal and was pleased to open his account for the season but was frustrated his side was unable to hang on and claim victory in their first game back in the Championship following their promotion from League One.

“It’s great to get off the mark nice and early but it’s a disappointing result because we thought we did enough to get the three points,” he said.

“To see the ball bobbling in at the end was very frustrating. But it’s a good start with a point on the board and we look forward to next week now.

“We’ve had a bit of a debate about it in the dressing room and a few questions were asked about people being in the right positions.

“It’s one of those goals, bouncing in off the far stick and we just have to take it and move on."

However, the 32-year-old felt there were positives to be taken from the game from a Blackburn perspective.

“Going a goal down early on and showing the character we did again to get in front," he reflected.

“We had a chance to make it 3-1 through Kasey Palmer and if that goes in the game’s probably put to bed.

"But that’s football, we’re going to miss chances and as a team we’re disappointed.

“As we play more football in the Championship we will put on better performances.

“That will come with match fitness and confidence, which we can take from today. There is plenty of belief within the squad that we can a good job in the Championship.

“Today’s game proved we are capable of matching teams at this level. The squad is coming together how the gaffer wants it and if we bring in some new faces this week it will be healthy competition. Everyone’s buzzing, everyone’s looking forward to the season.”

Photo: TWTD

robmonkey007 added 06:41 - Aug 6 Cross or shot.......we don't care, it was a goal late on in the game. Ipswich are more often then not on the receiving end of that kind of finish to a game. On the performance as a team, lots of positives but lots to work on. Very exciting times ahead.
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rfretwell added 07:19 - Aug 6 Edun looked very sharp and energetic. Wouldn't be surprised to see him jump ahead of Downes and Nydam in the midfield pecking order.
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ArnieM added 08:56 - Aug 6 Awh bless him . How honest was that !!! I like him even more now .
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ArnieM added 08:57 - Aug 6 Ps an unfortunate camera angle for the goal celebration with him and Chalobah !
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coolcat added 12:42 - Aug 6 That was great to watch. I sit in North Stand and had a great view of it. Loved watching their gk's reaction - or lack of it. :)
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Tractorog added 18:35 - Aug 6 Hats off to the photo editor. That's the funniest photo of ..... the season to date?
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Sam added 12:19 - Aug 7 Eden is a legend and will hopefully be a great signing. Just look at the Blackburn player on the left of the second picture. PURE SADNESS!! COYB
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