Arnor Sigurdsson says his Rovers debut was a “proud moment” – but admits the feeling was bitter-sweet after coming up just short in a seven-goal thriller.

The Iceland international, who joined from CSKA Moscow over the summer, came straight into the starting line-up at Portman Road after a spell out of action due to injury.

It took Sigurdsson just nine minutes to open his Rovers account, keeping his cool inside the box to slot past Vaclav Hladky.

“It was an amazing feeling,” he told RoversTV. “I am proud to make my debut for this club and I want to thank all the medical staff for helping me get through it.

“It wasn’t easy coming as a new player and getting this kind of injury. But getting back on the pitch and getting a goal, it felt amazing.

“Seeing all the away fans who made the journey down, it is not a short trip to we are thankful for the support.”

Sam Szmodics was also on target against the Tractor Boys before Harry Clarke’s own goal got Rovers back on level terms.

But Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men returned to Lancashire empty handed after Massimo Luongo’s winner 11 minutes from time.

“We are obviously disappointed, the first 45 minutes were not good enough,” Sigurdsson continued.

“We weren’t keeping the ball and getting into the spaces we want to get into. But in the second half, we showed character and it could have gone either way.

“We came out and scored two goals pretty quickly so the game was open. If we had a little bit of luck, it could have gone our way because we created good chances in the second half.”

Rovers have now lost three of their last four matches in the league despite creating plenty of chances in the final third.

“It is tough,” the Icelander explained. “We can be disappointed but tomorrow is a new day and we have to take the positives.

“We played well in the second half so we have to take that with us and just keep going. It is a long season and we know the way we want to play.

“It is working but obviously football is about getting results. I am sure that will come.”

Sigurdsson got 75 minutes under his belt for Mike Sheron’s Under-21 side against Hertha Berlin last week in preparation for his first-team debut.

The 24-year-old admits his journey back from injury was frustrating but is determined to make up for lost time over the coming weeks and months.

“I have been waiting for this moment, to get back on the pitch and play with the team,” Sigurdsson stated. “I have been to Ewood to watch the games and it is a weird feeling when you want to play.

“But it was the kind of injury we had to be careful with and take time, and we did that. I am excited for what is ahead.

“I feel really good. We knew before the game that I wasn’t going to play the full match but getting out there, it was a good atmosphere. The only bad thing was the result.”

He added: “I am always ready to help the team in the best way, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench. It felt good knowing that I was going to start and I was ready for it.”