STRIKER Ellis Harrison is enjoying a "new lease of life" at Ipswich Town - and says one of the key factors in his resurgence has been boss Paul Lambert.

The former Bristol Rovers frontman notched his first Championship goal for the club in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United.

After a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, it was his first start since mid-September, following substitute appearances against Bristol City and Stoke City.

In addition to his relief at being back and scoring, he spoke of the difference Lambert has made since replacing Paul Hurst in late October.

“He’s improved everyone’s game," said the 24-year-old.

“He’s said to us ‘don’t go out there and be scared’ and that’s what everyone’s doing.

“We’re going out there, getting on the ball and making angles for each other.

"Before, we didn’t really have that and were shy on the ball.

“Now, even the keepers are getting on it and passing out, which is great to see.

“We’ve gone two games unbeaten and hopefully we can carry that on.

“We’re always confident and the gaffer tells us to go out there with no fear which, as you can see from the sidelines, is how we played.

“Before we weren't scared but didn’t play with freedom.”

Harrison was restored to Lambert’s team on Saturday in place of Jordan Roberts.

He capped his comeback with a brilliant goal – aided by a slight deflection – from the edge of the box, after being fed by Freddie Sears.

“I got off to an okay start (at Ipswich) but then dropped off a little and didn’t play as well as I did against West Ham (in a summer friendly) because I was trying too hard," said the Welshman.

“When the injury happened I was devastated because I just didn’t want to be on the sidelines, knowing the position we're in.

“Then a new manager’s come in and I’ve got a new lease of life.

"We need goals, there’s no hiding away from it, and if I can chip in to get us points then great.

"I’m just enjoying my football and it's a relief, because I’ve been out for ten weeks and am looking to prove myself under a new manager to get in the team.

“As long as we get the three points, though, I’m not too bothered if I score.

“Competition is there and it’s healthy.

"There’s no bitterness and we all go out together and enjoy each other’s company.

“When anyone is playing it’s always ‘come on, come on, come on’ and they’re the same as well."

Lambert’s men remain bottom of the Championship table but now four points from safety, as opposed to five, following defeats for fellow strugglers Reading, Millwall and Bolton.

Next up is a trip to QPR on Boxing Day.

“It was a great point which we deserved," added Harrison.

“I'd take that against them because they're an unbelievably good team.

“The Championship is very tough.

“I’ve played in the National League, League One and League Two and they are tough in different ways, but the Championship is unbelievably hard.

“It’s quicker, people are stronger and more clever.

"No disrespect to those leagues but I’ve had to come in and adapt to that.

"Hopefully I can set my mark in the next few games.

“I don’t want to jump the gun after one goal because I have to keep working hard and keep learning to become a good Championship player.

“Ipswich have had good strikers and hopefully I can become one of them.”