Dynamo Delap will one day roar for Lions

ENZO BACKING FORMER CITY ACADEMY STRIKER TO STAR FOR ENGLAND

- John Cross

LIAM DELAP has been backed to become an "important player for England".

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca gave the Ipswich striker a glowing reference ahead of tonight's clash.

The Blues were one of the clubs that tracked Delap before his £15million move from Manchester City last summer.

His six goals and overall performances for Ipswich this season have seen interest grow in the England Under-21s forward.

It would appear his gamble in quitting City has paid off.

Delap, 21, is 6ft 1in, powerful, and a classic centreforward exactly what England are looking for in a long-term successor for Harry Kane.