Ipswich Town star Wes Burns says the Blues are 'champing at the bit' to kick off their Championship campaign - and he believes they can push for a second straight promotion.
Burns was part of a strong Town side which largely bossed last night's 1-1 friendly draw with Premier League newcomers Luton Town, and said that will give the team confidence.
"We knew what type of game it was going to be," explained the flying Welsh winger, who scored Town's goal via a cross which evaded everyone and nestled in the Luton net.
READ MORE: Alex Jones' verdict on Luton draw
"They’re one of the top teams from the Championship last year, they got promoted off the back of being very organised, good on set plays and being a physical team.
"So for us, going into the new season, we knew we had to be ready for it tonight and bang up for the challenge.
“I think it’s set us up nicely.”
Town now fly to Austria for Friday's Innsbruck Cup before returning home and gearing up for the big kick-off, starting at Sunderland on Sunday, August 6.
Burns, 28, made his debut in the Championship as a teenager at Bristol City but has only played a handful of games in the second tier.
And he says that the opportunity to once again pit himself against players at that level is one both he and the rest of the team are relishing.
"I just can’t wait to test myself again," he enthused.
WATCH: Alex and Ross share their thoughts on Luton draw in post-match video
"Everyone always wants to play at the highest level that they can possibly play and there’s no reason why we can’t be a part of it this year and really mount a serious push and challenge for back-to-back (promotions).
"I don’t want to say it like that, but we’ll go into every game and prep for every game like we did last year – and that’s to go and get three points in every game."
The Welsh international added: "We built the team that we built last year to go and challenge in the Championship this year.
“Everyone around can see that we’re champing at the bit ready to go, and we’re not going up there to just survive – we’re going up there to challenge.
"This last ten days now waiting for Sunderland can’t go quick enough."
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