Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is loving life with the Tractor Boyz

The mercurial Ipswich frontman gave an exhilarating cameo in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, rescuing a point for Town while continuing his personal battle with the Portman Road woodwork.

Off-the-pitch, he might exude coolness and a swagger befitting the rappers he often associates with – a world away from Suffolk’s farming heritage.

But that hasn’t stopped the 21-year-old from embracing his new county’s reputation as he prepares to play an even bigger part in next season’s anticipated promotion push.

Emmanuel-Thomas said: “I actually like the ‘Tractor Boys’ nickname – it is nice to be thought of like that. I have a good laugh at it, but I think it is a good one.”

The attacker’s comments are just further signs of him settling into life away from the capital after joining from Arsenal last summer.

After a slow start, he has quickly won fans over giving another taste of his skills at Portman Road on Tuesday night.

The former Arsenal man, who constantly refers to the Tractor Boys with a ‘Z’ on Twitter, took his place in the recent launch of next season’s home and away kit – an innovative video which saw the club return to its farming roots at Easton Farm Park.

And the JET appeal has clearly had a factor with more than 120,000 views of the launch video in an estimated 155 countries. There has even been a version translated into Polish.

Emmanuel-Thomas said: “I had a great laugh doing the video. I got a message saying I had been selected for the kit launch which was fine and cool. Then I got another text saying we were going to a farm to film the video.

“I didn’t know where we going or where the farm was and I wasn’t sure about all the different animals. It was a bit cold but a really enjoyable experience."