Freddie Sears is licking his lips at the chance to forge a deadly ‘big man, little man’ strike partnership with Daryl Murphy at Ipswich Town.

The 25-year-old – recruited from Essex neighbours Colchester United for £100,000 last week – has already enjoyed two eye-catching cameo appearances off the bench, setting a goal up in the 3-1 win at Millwall and then scoring in the 3-2 loss at Brighton.

And the 5ft 7in forward’s dynamic game has already shown signs of complementing that of the physically imposing 6ft 3in Murphy – whose 18 goals makes him the Championship’s leading scorer.

“I’ve linked up quite well with Murph already,” admitted the former West Ham youngster. “I think I work well with a big man. He’s got a lot about his game which probably helps my game. I can read his flick-ons and try and get on the end of stuff. I’m looking forward to building a partnership with him.

“He’s flying at the minute. Everything he hits seems to be going in. I think that was his 18th goal of the season.”

Sears, who scored 14 goals for the struggling League One U’s in the first half of the season, continued: “My target was 15/20 at the start of the season. I’ve had a move now, that’s going to make a little bit harder, but I want to get to 20. If I can do that I’d be delighted.

“I’m delighted to have scored in my second game. It’s the most important thing for a striker. You score early and it takes a bit of pressure off you.

“Every striker wants to get off the mark. I’m just looking forward to next Saturday now (home against Wigan).”

He added: “I’m a centre forward, but if the manager wants me to play wide then I’ll play wide.

“I was a number nine for Colchester in the first half of the season, but the previous year I was a bit deeper. I can play a number of roles, but I do think my best position is through the middle.”