Wes Burns, a key player in Ipswich Town's recent back-to-back promotions, has expressed his excitement at finally fulfilling a childhood dream by making his Premier League debut against Liverpool tomorrow.
The winger, who was Ipswich's first signing after the Gamechanger 20 takeover, highlighted the significance of the occasion, not just for himself but for his family and the entire squad.
"Personally, I am super-excited," Burns said. "It has been a childhood dream of mine to make it to the Premier League and tomorrow is a chance for me to get that Premier League appearance."
He added that the feeling in the dressing room is "one of massive excitement" as the team prepares to face some of the biggest names in football.
Burns acknowledged the journey that led to Ipswich's return to the top flight, reflecting on the transformative period following his arrival in League One.
"When I first walked in, I thought 'what have I got myself into' as there were just so many faces that left and 19 that came in during that first transfer window," he recalled. "It was crazy."
Despite the initial uncertainty, the club's strong infrastructure, coaching staff, and the tireless work ethic instilled by manager Kieran McKenna, have played a key role in Ipswich's success.
"When I signed in League One, the goal was to get out of the league and into the Championship," Burns said. "I knew that the long-term goal of everyone at the club was to get us back playing in the Premier League as quickly as possible. But did I think we would do it back-to-back? Probably not."
Burns also praised the recent additions to the squad, including Kalvin Phillips and Sammy Szmodics, who have brought in invaluable experience and quality.
"Itâs going to be a hard season so we are going to need all the quality we can get," he said. "Kalvin is definitely one with certain qualities, heâs played for England, he was signed by Pep at Man City, heâs definitely going to add the quality we need and will certainly help us this season."
He added, "It is massive. He [Szmodics] was top goalscorer in the Championship last year. Heâs had a few very good seasons before that when he was at Peterborough. Even when he was at Bristol City, Iâve known Szmods for a few seasons now, playing against him a few times. To add someone of his quality is only going to help us."
Burns highlighted the importance of the squad's unity, emphasising that the club's recruitment policy has ensured a strong team spirit.
"There is no better feeling than looking around the dressing room and looking anyone in the eye, and you know they are going to be right there with you in the heat of the battle on matchday," he said.
Burns also expressed his gratitude to manager Kieran McKenna for his guidance and support, stating that he has helped him to "simplify [his] game right down to a couple of actions."
As Ipswich prepares to face Liverpool, a team they have watched week-in, week-out, Burns admitted the upcoming match will be a unique experience.
"It is surreal," he said. "We have gone from a couple of seasons ago prepping for going away to Morecambe and Fleetwood to now we are prepping for Liverpool."
Burns acknowledged the challenge of facing the Premier League giants but remains confident in Ipswich's ability to compete.
"I know there is a narrative that has been placed that the three teams that come up always go back down," he said. "We know thatâs going to be a challenge for us this season. But over the last couple of years, so many people have doubted us and we have come back against that and come out the other side. We know itâs going to be a relentless season, a very hard season, but we will attack each game with 100 per cent effort and we will see where that takes us."
As Ipswich Town embarks on its new Premier League adventure, Burns and his teammates will be looking to make their mark on the league and prove that their recent success was no fluke.