Paul Hurst believes new signing Ellis Harrison ‘has got a little bit of everything’ as he looks for his central striker to be the focal point of his Ipswich Town sides.
The 24-year-old forward has made an encouraging start following his £750,000 move from Bristol Rovers and netted his first Ipswich goal in Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to West Ham United.
Harrison has led the line as a lone striker in each of his pre-season outings to date, with Hurst clear he requires a good all-round player to fill that role in his side.
“We still want him to improve,” said Hurst following Saturday’s game with West Ham. “We don’t want that to be his best performance in an Ipswich Town shirt, but it’s great for any striker to get off the mark. He did that. You have to ask him if he’s disappointed not to have scored the header that hit the post or whether he felt unlucky.
“I think he’s got a little bit of everything in his game that you’d want from a centre forward. He’s not electric, but he’s quick enough. He’s strong, he can win his headers, he’s quite clever on the ball at times. That’s a big part of the reason we brought him to the football club.
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“He can be pleased with the start he’s made, but we won’t be letting him rest on that goal. But he was a focal point for the team and that’s what we need with that sole striker. It’s a tough role, but today he certainly played it well.”
Harrison was pleased to get off the mark in a blue shirt against the Hammers but insisted he’s more concerned by how he performs on the opening day against Blackburn.
“I think we’ve got a lot better and we’re starting to realise what the gaffer wants from us,” Harrison said.
“It is a lot harder and a lot faster than being in League One but hopefully I can adapt to it as soon as possible.”
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“Pre-season doesn’t really matter so hopefully next week will be the one. It was nice to score but this was pre-season. We start next week and hopefully we can get a couple then.”
“The boys have been class, a bit of banter from the skipper, but hopefully I can join in a bit more.
“It’s a great club and they’ve given me a good welcome.”
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