Gassan Ahadme has paid tribute to his “amazing” teammates after grabbing his first Ipswich Town goal in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Buxton.

The striker made his first start for Ipswich and took just 38 minutes to get off the mark as the League One frontrunners enjoyed comfortable progression into tonight’s FA Cup third round draw.

Following a stuttering start to life in Suffolk, a foot fracture hampering him since he moved from Burton Albion in September, the 22-year-old said: “It was really good because in the beginning of my spell here, it was a bit frustrating with the injury. But today, on my first start, being able to help the team was really nice.

“It has been frustrating, but now thank God I am back. I am really looking forward to keeping going.

“For a striker, it is really important to have that confidence and to score that first goal. That is always the hardest point, so hopefully I can keep it going and help the team when I get the opportunity.

“It was really good play from the team and a really good cross from Kyle [Edwards] and I was there to put it in the back of the net.

“I would say that the team is amazing, everybody is so friendly and everybody has helped me in the team and on the staff as well. it’s been easy for me.

“I have really felt the difference because teams when they play against us, especially here at Portman Road, they have 11 players behind the ball.

“Everything is much harder and you have to have the kind of players that can make a difference. The service in this side is top.”

The Moroccan frontman first caught the eye of Town fans when playing for Burton in the Blues' 1-0 win at the Pirelli Stadium in August and Ahadme admitted: “It was a really good game for me. We lost that game but I played really well and I think it was a key point for me coming to Ipswich Town two or three weeks after.”

Ahadme also gave an insight into the type of striker he is, and wants to be, as he now looks to fully kickstart his Ipswich Town career.

He said: “I try to be as mobile and active as I can in the penalty area so even if it’s in the six-yard box or my team mates stand it and I head it, I practice all types of finishing.

“I like to drop more (to get the ball), but in the future I want to double up all the areas in my game.

“I have played majorly with a partner. My last games, for example, for Burton I used to play upfront by myself. I have been really finding my way when I have been playing by myself. I can combine good with players.”

Ipswich Town are ball number 49 in tonight’s draw - which will take place at 7pm on BBC Two - and Ahadme said he would love to have a home game against Chelsea in the third round.

But when asked whether he was a fan of the Premier League giants, the striker said: “I support Real Madrid as my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo so everything started there. I especially model how hard he works, his discipline, his mindset.

“Mindset is big for me. I am a really disciplined guy. I do whatever it takes to get what I want. I will keep working as hard as I can.”

Away from yesterday’s FA Cup action, Ahadme admitted that he managed to watch Morocco, for whom he qualifies to play international football, take a big step towards qualification from the group stages of the World Cup, after their shock 2-0 win over Belgium.

He said: “I was watching the game when we were having pre-match. I think they will get through, I hope so. They have a game against Canada which is not the hardest game in the group. Hopefully, they can do really good.

“I am still a young player and I will work as hard as I can to be able to try and one day get to that international stage. It has been a really good day with us winning, Morocco winning and scoring.”

Photo: Matchday Images

Guthrum added 09:25 - Nov 28 Good stuff. Sounds like he fits in, wants to work hard and develop his flexibility as a striker.
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BobbyBell added 12:01 - Nov 28 We only have limited highlights but looking at Ahadme I like the positions he is taking up on our attacks. He movement is good and his following in on Chappers shot shows he is a natural striker. Lets hope he get some more minutes to show what he can do.
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KMcBlue added 14:24 - Nov 28 Will become our no.1. Better positioning and finishing than Ladapo
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ArnieM added 16:19 - Nov 28 I just get this feeling he's going to be a big hit for us. It's nice to finally have a striker thst can header the ball and have a presence in that box. Bring it on 👍
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Bazza8564 added 17:01 - Nov 28 im pleased with the scorers yesterday, Gassan is clearly a good lad who is enjoying life here, Jackson scored a good goal but Chappers has been drifting a bit since he missed that penalty at Morcombe, so its great to have him on the up and up again. I still believe we will look to strengthen all through the squad if we can in January, time will tell i guess
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Linkboy13 added 17:09 - Nov 28 If Ahadme can do it against Buxton he can do it against anybody. I think some people on here are getting a bit carried away and have made him their favourite player all ready. As for saying he's better than Labado is a bit wide of the mark and i was one of his worst critics if Labado carries on his current form he will end up with around 20 goals. Time to judge Ahadme is when he starts doing it against decent opposition and im sure anyone who's played the game will agree with me.

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Suffolkboy added 17:53 - Nov 28 Quite simply very promising signs from this young player ; no doubt it was because of these he not only caught the eye of ITFC but was brought on board . Potential undoubtedly – let's hope it is realised for his mobility and apparent physicality will complement what we've got and add new factors . COYB
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