DEBUTANT Luke Garbutt was the hero as Ipswich Town secured an opening-day victory at Burton Albion.

The Blues began life in League One with a slender 1-0 success at the Pirelli Stadium.

It was an excellent way to begin their campaign, following last season's relegation from the Championship.

And boss Paul Lambert was understandably delighted with the points, especially given the number of players currently sidelined with injury.

"It was a great start and we looked lively," he said.

“There were a load of good things there.

"(New signing) James Wilson has hardly trained at all through pre-season but played the game for us and did really well.

"Luke Woolfenden did well, too, and I don’t think there was one failure in that team.

“Burton is a really tough place to come.

“(Manager) Nigel (Clough) has a good team and they had a good cup run last year, so they’re a strong team to play at home.

“But on the first day of the season it can go any way and I’m happy.

"The support was unbelievable and worth the admission money alone."

Town travelled with a catalogue of injuries, including the likes of Toto Nsiala, Jon Nolan and Gwion Edwards.

Skipper Luke Chambers was also missing from the starting line-up due to suspension.

Reflecting on the number of players currently injured, Lambert said: “There are too many and Andre Dozzell hurt his knee against Cambridge, so he couldn’t play either.

"Hopefully we should get a few back and then let’s see where we go.

“It was just his knee (Dozzell).

"He had a clash of knees last Saturday and we’ll see how he is during the week.”

Nolan (calf) and Edwards (groin) are both closing in on a return, although they may not be ready for next weekend's eagerly-awaited fixture at home to Sunderland.

Lambert had praise for wide men Danny Rowe and Garbutt.

“Danny was excellent," said the Blues boss.

“He’s playing with a lot of confidence at the minute.

"Garbutt has a hell of a left foot (as he showed with the goal).

“His set plays and passing’s very, very good.

"I’m delighted for him as well because he came in and joined us very late.”