By Chris Bevan

Sam has been a fans' favourite wherever he has been and he will soon be one here too Ipswich captain Jim Magilton

The frontman has been targeted for abuse by some sections of supporters during his side's poor run of form.

Magilton told BBC Sport. "It is a disgrace. I have a lot of time for Sam - and he will score goals for us.

"Once the fans realise what he is doing for us, they will soon take to him. He is our top scorer now so he must be doing something right."

Parkin, 24, has scored five goals in 13 starts since moving to Portman Road from Swindon Town for around £750,000 in the summer

New-boys aiming high

But all of those goals have come in away games, and he has failed to win over the home support while Ipswich have languished in mid-table.

"Sam has done very well for us but he needs to score a goal at home," Magilton added. "When that happens he will be fine.

"When he gets to grips with his surroundings he will be a big success.

"You have to remember he is coming up in standard - and that is no disrespect to League One where he scored a lot of goals - and when you do that you come up against better players."

Many of Parkin's problems are down to the men he, and fellow new signing Nicky Forster, are trying to replace.

Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi were both prolific for Ipswich last season before joining Premiership clubs in the close season.

"That has made it more difficult," Magilton said. "We lost 56 goals in the summer when Darren, Shefki and Tommy Miller went.

"That is a lot, but Sam knew that and he has great belief in his own ability. He is a player I admire and respect and like Nicky he is a proven, quality goalscorer.

"I saw him score goals for Swindon last year and when we signed him I was absolutely delighted.

Brighton 1-1 Ipswich

"Sam scored a great goal on Saturday against Brighton and he will be looking to score against Derby on Wednesday night too.