Ipswich Town striker Brett Pitman is fed up of being labelled a ‘super-sub’.

The 28-year-old made the difficult decision to leave newly-promoted Bournemouth last summer having scored 14 goals in 21 starts and 18 substitute appearances during their historic campaign.

It’s been a similar story with the Blues too. He’s scored regularly, nine goals in all competitions making him top-scorer, but they have come across 17 starts and 14 sub displays.

“The super-sub tag is something I definitely don’t want and something which hopefully doesn’t stick,” he said, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Bristol City.

“You learn to deal with it but you’re obviously not happy when you’re on the bench.

“I think everyone would say they need a run in the team to be at their best. I don’t think it’s fair to judge anyone on one game here and there and I think, even more as a forward, you need that little run of games.”

Mick McCarthy has always said he has an open door policy at Playford Road. Has Pitman spoken to his manager about wanting to start?

“I haven’t done – not yet anyway!” he said. “If you’re coming on and scoring goals then I don’t think you need to be knocking on doors. Actions speak louder than words.

“I think I should be playing, just like everybody else in our squad will think they should be playing. That’s how it is.

“If I’m not playing then I won’t be happy, but I’ll also be ready when I’m called upon.

“I think I’ve done alright. Last time I looked I was top scorer, so that speaks for itself.”

Pitman’s longest run of starts for Ipswich stands at nine matches, the Blues winning six of them, drawing with Wolves and losing to Middlesbrough and Derby. Tomorrow the Jersey-born front man could be recalled to face one of his former clubs – he spent two-and-a-half years with the Robins.

“If I score I’ll celebrate for sure,” he said. “I don’t understand why people don’t do it. I think that’s all for show to be honest.

“Don’t get me wrong, I won’t go and jump in their crowd and do things like that but you have to respect the club you play for. They are paying your wages and you want to get three points for them.”