Ipswich Town new boy Freddie Sears is determined to force his way into the starting line-up following his arrival from Essex neighbours Colchester United.

The livewire 25-year-old earned his mid-season move up the A12, for a fee believed to be around £100k, after scoring 14 goals for a U’s side battling League One relegation.

He faces stiff competition for a starting spot from fellow strikers Daryl Murphy, David McGoldrick and Noel Hunt, but did his chances no harm after stepping off the bench and setting up a goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Millwall.

Set to play a cameo role again at Brighton tonight, the ex-West Ham player said: “Everyone wants to play and it’s always good to have competition for places.

“I’ve only been down the road and I’ve followed the form of Murphy and McGoldrick. I’ve obviously seen Noel Hunt score two at the weekend as well.

“They are all really good players and it’s going to be tough to get in the team, but I will try and give the gaffer something to think about.

“Whenever my opportunity comes I’ll try and take it. I do think I’ll give something different to the strikers that are here.

“I had to take a step backwards in order to go forwards again and I’m buzzing to have this opportunity. I’m so excited about this next chapter in my career.”

Blues boss Mick McCarthy said: “Freddie’s 25 now. He was the bright young thing at West Ham, but sometimes it takes longer for players to mature. Looking at him on Saturday, and looking at him in training, I think we’ve got him at the right time.

“He’s been playing in a team that’s been scrapping away and he’s still got 10 league goals. I think that says a lot about him.

“It would be so wrong if I was to say ‘he’s not going to be first choice’. Was Noel Hunt first choice? Not to start with, but he might be at Brighton. You earn the right don’t you? If he gets in the team and scores the goals, who knows? I hope he pushes for it.”

– See today’s EADT and Ipswich Star for full match preview. Follow @Stuart_Watson for live match updates.