George Burley has praised Marcus Bent and says it is up to him how far he goes in the game. Bent has scored five goals in the last five games as Town have moved themselves out of the relegation zone.

Burley said: "So far as Marcus is concerned I think that he has all the attributes needed to become a top striker. He is still only 23-years-old. In the end it will be up to him as to how far he wants to push himself."

The Blues boss added that his scouts are constantly looking at new young players to bring to the squad, although he has no man at the African Nations' Cup as he feels footballing and cultural differences make it difficult for African players to settle down here. He wishes Finidi George, who had already had spells with Ajax, Real Betis and Real Mallorca before moving to Town, all the best in Mali, but Burley "cannot hide the fact that that I would like to see him back at Portman Road as quickly as possible".

Burley is undecided whether he will attend the World Cup in the summer.

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