He may be fifth-choice striker at Ipswich Town, but new boy James Alabi certainly does not lack confidence.

The burly 20-year-old was released by Stoke in the summer, scored two goals in two games for Town’s Under-21s during a trial to earn a one-year deal and then promptly produced an impressive goalscoring first team debut as a substitute in Tuesday night’s 4-1 extra-time victory at Doncaster in the Capital One Cup.

He celebrated that strike by cupping his ears to the home fans who had given him stick, then had this message when asked what Blues supporters could expect from him in the future.

“I’m going to bring goals, pace and power and more goals,” he replied.

The likes of Daryl Murphy, David McGoldrick, Freddie Sears and Brett Pitman are all ahead of him in the pecking order, but Alabi will be dreaming of getting another chance in the cup when Town travel to Manchester United next month.

“Scoring on my debut was a huge bonus. “The home fans didn’t really like the celebration, but I just got lost in the moment,” he said.

“I was just making sure the gaffer (Mick McCarthy) and TC (Terry Connor) knew exactly what I was about.

“This is not where it stops, for sure. I am going to kick on and do my best.”

He added: “I had a couple of offers but it was impossible to say no to Ipswich because the gaffer told me this is where I can get my opportunity.

“I didn’t want to just go somewhere and sit on the bench. The strikers here are incredible and they are only going to help me get better. I’m looking forward to learning off them all.”