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.
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