SAM Parkin is looking to carry on his wonderful habit of bagging 20-plus goals a season and knows if his strike partner can match him then Ipswich will be prime promotion contenders come next May, writes Derek Davis.

SAM Parkin is looking to carry on his wonderful habit of bagging 20-plus goals a season and knows if his strike partner can match him then Ipswich will be prime promotion contenders come next May, writes Derek Davis.

The 24-year-old Scotland Futures' striker hit 24, 23 and 26 goals in his last three seasons at Swindon Town and is relishing the challenge of doing likewise in the Championship.

Parkin feels if he and fellow new boy Nicky Forster can forge a strong relationship, along with Dean Bowditch, the Blues will enjoy a successful season.

He said: “Things have gone well for me over the past three years with 20-plus goals each season and I will be looking to get off the mark as soon as possible.

“If Nicky and I can both get 20 goals then we won't be far away from the promotion places. That is the aim and that is why the manager has brought us in.”

The former Chelsea trainee, who has had loan spells at Northampton, Oldham, Wycombe and Millwall, failed to find the net in Town's opening pre-season friendly and is hoping to put things right at Boston United tomorrow.

He also feels it is just as crucial for the team to blend together over the next three weeks before entertaining Cardiff City in the opening league game of the season on Saturday, August 6.

He said: “I enjoyed playing at Cambridge. It was good to start playing and getting the first game out of the way.

“I was disappointed not to get off the mark but obviously your timing does tend to be a bit off in the first game of the season.

“Nicky and I linked up well together in the first half, he got a goal and it was a good win.

“We have talked a lot about our partnership and how important it is and with Dean (Bowditch) as well. We need to look like we are all linking up and looking for each other at every opportunity.”

The highly-rated prospect, who cost Town around £450,000 initially, with add-ons to follow, feels it is inevitable that he will develop further at Portman Road.

He said: “I have been very impressed with the whole set-up. The standard is something I have not been used to in the past couple of years with better players around me and the training has emphasised that.

“The step up is noticeable. There are lads here who have played at a higher level and that has helped me already. My game feels sharper and hopefully when the season starts I will be fit and raring to go.”

n Ipswich Town's home match against Preston North End has been switched to Bank Holiday Monday, August 29 with a 12.15pm kick-off so it can be shown live on Sky TV.