The man who brought Kieffer Moore back into English football believes the new Ipswich Town striker can blossom under Blues boss Mick McCarthy.

Gillingham manager Adi Pennock was in charge of National League side, Forest Green, a year ago when he signed the 6ft 5ins frontman from Norwegian side, Viking.

Moore went on to score seven times in 33 games for the New Lawn outfit and helped them to the National League Play-Off final last season, only to see his dream of running out at Wembley ruined after he ruptured his appendix.

Moore, 24, has scored 10 times this season, including five for Forest Green’s rivals, Torquay United, during a fruitful loan spell, but now has a crack at the Championship.

Former defender Pennock, who was born in Ipswich, and started his career at Norwich City, said: “I brought Kieffer back from Scandinavia and the biggest thing for me is he wants to learn.

“He is a bustling, big fella, but he has got a good touch and some really good tools to work with.

“Mick McCarthy is one of the best coaches around and I think Kieffer will thrive there. I’m really proud of him.”

As well as being an attacking threat, Moore, has also played at centre-back, his tall frame giving him an advantage in both penalty boxes.

“He can play centre-half and is no mug there,” added Pennock, who took charge of his second Gills game at the weekend – a 2-2 draw at League One leaders, Sheffield United.

“I played him there four or five times, he is a good size, has a good presence and can play in a number of positions.”

Moore made his debut in Saturday’s 2-0 Championship defeat at Huddersfield and had the Blues’ only shot on target in the second half.