Brett Pitman is the perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover.

In an era where many footballers are all about tattoos, gym-time and questionable haircuts, Pitman is something of a throw-back to the 70s with his long shirt sleeves and unique running style.

He may look unconventional, but there is no doubting his ability. The man recruited from Bournemouth this summer is now Ipswich Town’s leading scorer with seven goals in all competitions following his match-winner at Fulham on Tuesday night.

Many, including manager Mick McCarthy, have been surprised at just how good the 27-year-old is. But Blues midfielder Cole Skuse – a former team-mate of Pitman’s at Bristol City – always knew that Pitman would be a hit at Portman Road.

“He’s not like many other players, that’s for sure,” said Skuse, speaking ahead of Town’s sixth versus third home clash with Derby tomorrow afternoon. “I’ve never seen anyone run quite like Brett Pitman. He’s got his own, I don’t know what you’d call it, a ‘shuffle’, I guess!

“He’s deceptively quick, he is very, very good in the air, he’s got a great leap and he’s deceptively strong as well. He looks like he’s a bit smaller in terms of physicality, but he’s strong. He knows how to use his body when it comes to shielding the ball and he’s got that cleverness to roll a defender.”

Skuse continued: “His success has not been a surprise to me. Even before I knew he was signing for the club I had been saying to the lads he was the best finisher I’ve played with.

“So when he rang to say he might be coming to join me in sunny Suffolk I was delighted because his all-round ability, and his technical ability, is outstanding.

“He’s really come to the boil in the last few weeks. He’s got all sorts of finishes in the bag – it’s not just a lace. Any chance in and around the area you’d bet your house he would score.

“He’s got his goals and he’d like to get more. He’s always beating himself up about the goals he doesn’t get.”