By Chris Bevan

Sheff Utd v Ipswich

"We've had a bit of time between matches," Parkin told BBC Sport. "That's never ideal because normally you like to get it out of your system.

"But having said that, I'm not sure it was completely deserved - 4-0 flattered them. It wasn't that bad a defeat.

"I'm sure we'll raise our game and give United a test."

Apart from that setback against North End on 29 August, Parkin has been impressed by Town's form this season.

"It's been a bit of a transitional period at the moment for myself and the club.

"But we've had a relatively good start and hopefully as the season goes on, the better we will get.

"We've had some good victories already despite having some injuries which haven't helped us early on.

Forster injury blow for Ipswich

"We've got some tough games coming up against some of the top teams so if we can take the points off them - and I'm sure we can - then at the end of September we'll be in the top six hopefully."

Parkin also feels he has settled in at Portman Road following his £750,000 summer move from Swindon Town.

He added: "I'm definitely enjoying myself in the Championship. I've played four or five games which have given me a little eye-opener into what life at this level is going to be like.

Millwall 1-2 Ipswich Town

"Fortunately I've scored a couple of goals too. The winner at Millwall last weekend did my confidence the world of good.

"It's nice to get a couple of goals early on. Hopefully I'll get a good tally and help the club to have a good season.

"I'm sure Nicky Forster and I will get goals when we're both fit and able to play.

"We don't feel we're under pressure because in football people come and go all the time.

"You've got to go to your club and be your own person. I'm not Shefki Kuqi or Darren Bent, and neither is Nicky.