Peterborough United’s big-money signing will thrive on the pressure of replacing Ivan Toney

Stepping into Ivan Toney’s considerable shoes? ‘Not a problem,’ says the 26 year-old big-money purchase from Bristol Rovers.

Starting a new life at a new club as the favourite to win the League One Golden boot? ‘Bring it on,’ says a player who didn’t see a minute of competitive action in a previous spell at London Road.

Spearheading the push for promotion with a club who are used to fielding free-scoring strikers? ‘That’s what I’m here for,’ insisted the man who will proudly wear the number nine shirt.

It’s important to stress the player’s replies are delivered with confidence rather than arrogance.

“I’m not Ivan Toney,” Clarke-Harris said. “But why should I be? Ivan is a great striker who proved he was too good for League One, but I believe I am one of the top three strikers in the division and now I’m at a better club with better players I should improve.

“Bristol Rovers did well for me. They game me a platform to play and I did well for them, but this is a good move for me, one I was excited to make.

“I will play my own way, the way that has brought me many goals in the last couple of seasons.

“That means 100% effort in every game first and foremost with goals and assists a bonus. Most importantly I want to get back to the Championship and this team can get me there.

“My last spell there (with Rotherham) didn’t last long as I picked up a serious injury so it’s long been an ambition of mine to get back there again.

“I believe in my ability and I believe I am at the peak of my game. I believe I can score 20 goals this season, but if Mo Eisa or anyone else is scoring them all that’s good also.

“I’m quick when I get going and I don’t think defenders like playing against me either as I’m not a nice man on the pitch.

“Off the pitch I’m a true gentleman, but it’s different when I’m competing. I just want to win so badly.”

Clarke-Harris first pitched up at Posh two days after his 18th birthday eight years ago after Coventry City failed to reward a promising youth career with a professional contract.

His attitude was questioned by some at the Sky Blues, but Posh manager Darren Ferguson saw only raw, unlimited potential.

Indeed Ferguson enthused about a ‘big, strong, rapid striker with a fierce left-foot,’ when explaining what a no-brainer of a decision it was to offer the teenager a contract at a club then in the Championship.

Sadly, the move didn’t work out as either party had hoped and the forward was on his way to Oldham after one season to start a nomadic Football League cereer.

Posh are his 10th Football League club in eight years as a pro, althugh several moves were short loan stays.

“I moved around a lot of clubs which I had to do to find out about myself, “ Clarke-Harris added. “Experiencing different clubs and styles has done me good.

“I always felt I would come back one day though.

“It’s the closest team at my level to my home (Leicester) which is important to me.

“I didn’t know enough when I was here before, but I know my game inside out now.

“I don’t remember too much about the previous time, although it is the same manager and chairman and the training facilities are now much better than they were.

“I’m happy to be here and I want to settle here, and I can’t wait to finally pull on a first-team shirt in a league game.”

Clarke-Harris has signed a four year-deal which could keep him at Posh up to his 30th birthday.