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.”

Photo: Action Images

10dackj added 06:07 - Dec 3 All we need to do now is win a few more and get it him set for ITFC in the BPL 2015/16 season! 🔝⚽️
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itfccymru added 06:42 - Dec 3 Think Bajners impact has been underestimated. Yes he hasn't made much of an impact but he was the first one to run to Noel Hunt when we scored the last minute winner. Great to see he wants to see the team doing well instead of spitting his dummy out. Still got time to make an impact! As for Bishop, we've got one hell of a player on our hands. Wordsworth who?!
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Pilgrimblue added 08:08 - Dec 3 I hadn't seen him before Southend but he certainly caugh t the eye along with Stewart that evening. He could be very special so lets hope we enjoy him at PR for long time. As for Bajner, I'm hoping he does make it here as again in same game he scored a goal that Sammon wouldn't even thought of but I guess with so many close games MM hasn't risked him much. Bru took his time and while Bajner is taking longer I hope he does get on the team sheet.

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mikeybloo88 added 08:24 - Dec 3 Let's hope Bajner comes good soon as I really don't fancy Sammon...too slow again on Saturday when given a great chance to score
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Garv added 08:43 - Dec 3 Good to hear Bajner's doing his bit even when on the sidelines. Be nice if he makes an impact on the pitch soon!
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brian_a_mul added 09:16 - Dec 3 Great to hear Skuse encouraging the new lads and guiding Bish and Hyam, you can see he has a massive influence on the team. Another leader in our team. Hope Bajner can make it, he seems to be progressing well and we saw in pre season how good he could be with some cracking goals and touches. With MM and TC he has the right team behind him to help him realise his potential.

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paulthebluealien added 09:21 - Dec 3 As much as the Skuse-hate club dismiss him I think the guy is an invaluable player. Effective without being spectacular in the midfield and off the field offers experience. A good professional all round.
14

MarkFish added 09:42 - Dec 3 Old news phil.Give us something juicy.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 11:21 - Dec 3 Mark fish: Jaime Rodriguez is having a trial with us.
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jocasaja added 11:27 - Dec 3 I really cant remember when we lhad such a good squad of players - competition for places right across the park, and an excellent mix of hard working senior pros and some exciting young talent given just the right amount of time and encouragement to be realistic about their chances of making an impact and being part of a tight knit squad - I also cant remember the last time I saw an Ipswich team with such a fantastic spirit and work ethic. They wont win every game, but I am very confident of them being in and around the play off positions for the rest of the season. Mick and Terry are beginning to establish themselves as Town legends

5

NoCanariesAllowed added 12:44 - Dec 3 @paul - very true. I believe it was Skuse who was alert to cut the ball out from what might've been a dangerous Charlton counter and win possession back for what proved to be our match winning attack on Saturday. Easily forgotten but pretty decisive - perhaps an apt evaluation for him overall.
3

Paulblue62 added 15:18 - Dec 3 Skuse is very underrated by some. Glad to see him praising the youngsters, must give them so much confidence. True team player.
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Green_Army added 17:02 - Dec 3 I'm guessing Bajner is a very similar player to Sammon, and I for one would like to see him given a chance - especially after the poor impact Sammon made v Charlton, looked very sluggish and nervous on the ball. As for the Bish...top top player!
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Seasider added 17:20 - Dec 3 Last time I saw Bajner was in the U 21's against Southampton,played pretty well especially in 2nd half with deft flicks;but I am afraid when it got to the penalty area he had 2 or 3 shots off target. This is just confidence and TC can improve on this aspect of his game I am sure.Looks a lot classier than Conor Sammon but who doesn't,but you can never write anyone off at present with our management duo improving several players individually as well as collectively.

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Cakeman added 22:46 - Dec 3 Good to see all players pulling together even if not having much match time.indeed a great team spirit. Bishop without doubt has much potential and is already being spoken of very highly by those who really know him. I have to say that Sammon's efforts are not appreciated by all which is a little disappointing. True he will not score 10 goals a season but he does the ugly stuff very well in the dying moments of a match when we try to close the game out. He tries hard and puts himself about and basically makes a nuisance of himself. I am sure Mick will be pleased with that.

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Razor added 11:34 - Dec 4 I am a Skuse fan too----his game did dip early in the season but I think he has now picked it up again and I would always have him in the team if he continues to play like he is. First saw Bish at Derby and after a quiet start you could just tell he was absolute quality. I think when we are 3-0 up against Leeds on Saturday with 10 to go Balner may come on and notch his first goal, just as Benty is notchibg the winner at Derby and we go top----I THANK YOU!

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chepstowblue added 12:34 - Dec 4 What was really noticeable at Derby was Bishops willingness to pass the ball and instinctively move forward instead of sideways or back,automatically offering us something different to our other central mids. Talented lad,comfortable on the ball and with the ability to drift past opponents with close control. For me the biggest plus of the season to date.
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