Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy already knows that he’s got a master goalscorer on his hands in Brett Pitman.

The 27-year-old has scored four times in three pre-season outings since joining from AFC Bournemouth this summer – a penalty, header, clever scoop and poacher’s finish – to strengthen his chances of getting selected for the Championship opener at Brentford on August 8.

“He’s a goalscorer, no doubt about that; we’ve seen it already,” enthused McCarthy. “I’ve not worked with anybody that gets as many shots in.

“Whenever he gets his opportunity on the edge of the box he wants to work the defenders and the keeper.”

Pitman was thrown in as a free transfer sweetener, along with the season-long loan of winger Ryan Fraser, as part of Tyrone Mings’ £8m switch Bournemouth.

Having scored more than 100 goals for the Cherries, helping them avoid relegation to non-league and then secure three promotions to the top-flight, the proven front man still had a year left on his Dean Court contract.

But boss Eddie Howe, unable to guarantee him regular football in the Premier League, decided not to stand in the way when the Blues came calling.

It’s already looking like another piece of brilliant business by McCarthy, who has previously picked up the likes of Christophe Berra, Cole Skuse and David McGoldrick on frees.

“Part of them letting him go was them being good to Brett really,” explained McCarthy. “They didn’t ask for a fee.

“Eddie Howe told me what a great finisher he was and somebody else told me he was the best finisher they’d ever worked with.

“Looking at him, he’s got all sorts in him. He’s very good in the air, he uses right foot and left foot, and he gets good goals and scrappy goals.”

Having started pre-season with away games against Irish side Shelbourne (6-0 win), German team Fortuna Dusseldorf (4-3 defeat) and League Two outfit Cambridge United (3-2 win), Town face League One side Peterborough United, at London Road, tomorrow afternoon (3pm).

Daryl Murphy returns to the squad following his extended summer break, the Irish striker having been rested thus far as a precaution due a few minor injury niggles.

Jonathan Parr is expected to return to action having missed the last two matches with a sore thigh.