3
Ipswich Town boss Gary O'Neil has hailed new striker Emersonn after he bagged a goal on his debut in the Blues' impressive win to the start the new Premier League season.
The 22-year-old, who signed for a club record £24m from Toulouse in the summer, has shown plenty of raw edges in pre-season.
READ MORE: O'Neil on what rest of window might bring and the future for players not in squad
But he impressed in the 2-1 win over Sunderland, scoring the opener and displaying many of the positive sides to his game - physicality, pace and strength - which will help Town in the top tier.
Emersonn converts from Julio Enciso's pass to make it 1-0 Town against Sunderland (Image: Steve Waller)
Counting the last two pre-season games, the Brazilian has now scored in three straight matches.
“Emersonn was good," O'Neil enthused. "We've sort of thrown him in quite a lot.
“He's obviously been bought as a bit of a project, but someone that we think can help us now as well.
"And you saw that today - he can help us now, and then there are some bits that he still needs to tidy up on.
Counting pre-season, Emersonn has scored in three straight games
(Image: Steve Waller)
“But he gave (Dan) Ballard a tough time, I thought. Managed to fight him physically, run away from him, worked his socks off, got his goal.
"So, no, I was pleased with Emerson. I thought to be as young as he is age-wise and game-wise and be able to perform the way he did in the Premier League today was impressive."