Georginio Rutter kept smiling after a pair of sporting near misses – and said the going is good for a successful season with Albion.

The record signing went close on three occasions as the Seagulls were held to a 0-0 draw by Ipswich.

Rutter stood in for the injured Joao Pedro, then heard his eight-year-old Bopedro, the racehorse he owns in Yorkshire, had finished a close second at Doncaster.

The former Leeds man thought he should have helped Albion past the winning post at the Amex on his first start for the club.

Rutter said: “Everybody gave me a warm welcome here.

“I try to speak with everybody. I don’t want to stay on my side alone.

“I try to be positive and have a good adaptation for me.”

Rutter shone in the Championship last term and would have crowned his Prem return with a goal but for a save by man-of-the-match Arijanet Muric, a defender’s last-ditch block and a near miss. He said: “It is Premier League, a different intensity.

“In training you have to be ready and to be fit.

“I try to do my best in training and on the pitch as well.

“If he (head coach Fabian Huerzeler) is happy, I’m happy.

“I think he gave me big confidence and I try to do my best for him and the club.”

Rutter has been keen on racing since young days in France and was happier with a second place at Doncaster than points dropped against the Tractor Boys.

He said: “Bopedro finished second and I’m happy about that.

“I love horses but the most important is football.”

Joao Pedro, who returned from international duty with a minor injury, watched the game and is not facing a significant absence.