'Why be involved if you aren't going to try to be the best?'

Ipswich forward Chuba Akpom says the club will be "ambitious" when it comes to cup competitions this season, while also focusing on staying in the "best league in the world" following promotion.

The 30-year-old scored two goals and registered one assist last season, as then boss Kieran McKenna guided the Tractor Boys back to the top flight.

Akpom replaced Emersonn in the 66th minute of Ipswich's 2-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, after spending over 11 years away from the Premier League.

"It had been a long time," Akpom told BBC Radio Suffolk. "It was nice to come on at the weekend and be on the pitch when the winner was scored. It was a good step for me.

"I've taken a look at my career over the past few seasons and it has been quite eventful, so to end up back in the Premier League is amazing. Usually you don't spend so much time away and end up coming back.

"I always had that drive in me to get back here. It is the best league in the world, it is back in the country where I was raised and it is just a fantastic feeling to be here. It is an honour."

On facing Leicester City in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday (19:45 BST), Akpom said: "You have to go for it in every game, whether that be a friendly or a cup match.

"Why be involved if you aren't going to compete or try to be the best? If it was in my hands, I would love to get to the Carabao Cup final this season and finish in the top half of the Premier League - that's why we are here.

"We are ambitious. We want to achieve certain things. Everyone should think alike. That's definitely the goal for me."

Listen to Akpom's interview with BBC Radio Suffolk's Brenner Wolley above or click play on the newest The Blue Hour podcast below. You can also listen to both on BBC Sounds.