Ipswich Town column: Quality of squad shone through in FA Cup against Bristol Rovers as Jack Taylor, Kalvin Phillips and Conor Townsend impress

I really enjoyed myself at Portman Road on Sunday.

You never know what to really expect going into cup games with lower opposition and to be honest I was still slightly scarred from the Maidstone debacle last year.

However, I thought Town were excellent.

Yes, it's lower league opposition and Bristol Rovers really did look like a side who were struggling this season, but I was delighted with our intensity.

I was also pleased with our professionalism and all-in-all, really impressed with what I saw.

It was an afternoon for minutes in the legs, but also a chance for those perhaps who have struggled so far, to really show what they're all about. Three players in particular did that.

Jack Clarke was one. He was brilliant and that's the best we've seen him play in blue so far.

He's had a rough season, there's no denying it, but I thought he showed just how good he can be when confident.

I still have question marks about his ability in the top tier, but do think there is still more to come from Jack. Kieran McKenna wouldn't have wanted him otherwise.

Conor Townsend was the other. We haven't really seen Conor this season. He's never going to play as long as Leif Davis is fit.

I thought the former West Brom defender looked sharp and he has a similar style/physique to what Leif gives us now. He looks like more than adequate cover.

The third was Kalvin Phillips. How good was he?

Of course, so he should be against that level of opposition, but I thought he oozed class and looked a cut above every time he touched the ball.

If that's our so-called 'second string side' now then wow, we really have come a long way over the past few years.

That said, it's clear to see we still require one or two more additions, particularly in one area. We all know where.

I felt sorry for Ali Al-Hamadi Sunday after he missed his penalty. That was his moment, but he desperately needs to go out on loan.

His replacement? Someone with Premier League experience is the dream, but I'd take a top-end Championship striker, just to give Liam Delap more support.