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Skuse: Bish Could Play in the Premier League Tomorrow - Ipswich Town News

Cole Skuse remembers that on his very first day as a Town player he was told to look out for a young rising star — none other than current colleague Teddy Bishop.

That was in July last year when he joined on a free transfer after leaving first club Bristol City and Cambridge-born academy graduate Bishop was still a fortnight short of his 17th birthday.

Skuse recalled: "I was told about Bish the first day I signed. I was chatting to Bryan Klug, the academy director, and I was asking him about lads he really had his eye on.

"He told me about Bish — I think he was coming back from a bad injury at the time — and said he was one hell of a player.

"I was keeping an eye out for Bish and then he was training with us last season and playing in the U21s.

"When he came back in pre-season this year he really caught my eye because he’s still such a young lad and yet he’s so brave and courageous in terms of getting on the ball. He can twist any player up in knots in training and has done it to me a few times.

"Then there’s his first touch and he’s similar to Jonny Williams the way he can glide past players with the ball. He’s such a slight lad but he’s wiry and strong.

"He’s had a great start to the season and he’s a lovely lad. He takes a bit of stick from us but it’s all in good heart. We drag him into the banter in the dressing room and he’s always willing to listen and learn.

"He’ll say to me before games ‘Talk to me and tell me where you want me to go’. He’s such a good lad, a lovely kid, and I rate him so highly that I believe he could play in the Premier League tomorrow. He’s got something about him — it’s not arrogant in the slightest but he’s just so brave and confident with the ball.

"He can take it in any scenario, in any position, and look after it and glide past players. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I would want anyone to come in and sign him. None of us would want to see him leave — he can stay here for the time being.”

Bishop’s progress has been a huge bonus to Town this season but he is not the only new face to have impressed Skuse, who added: "Balint [Bajner] has made a great impact in and around the place even if he hasn’t played much. He’s a great character.

"I don’t know if I’m speaking on behalf of the other lads but I’ve noticed a difference in him since he’s joined us. He came from Borussia Dortmund and for me to say I’ve noticed an improvement means something is definitely happening and going right.

"He’s a lovely guy, although I have the displeasure of sitting across from him at the table on the coach and his knees are almost under my chin. But that’s the only thing I don’t like about him. He’s a great, great guy, always willing to learn and listen.

"Also, he’s not afraid to go and ask the manager or TC questions about what he can do and what he should be doing to improve.

"He’s picking up the language as well and he speaks good English now. Yes, he’s got room for improvement, just as everyone has, and he’s desperate to learn and do his bit for the team.”

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