Bersant Celina is going to get Ipswich Town fans off their seats once he’s up to full speed, according to impressed team-mate Freddie Sears.
Tricky forward player Celina joined the Blues on a season-long loan from Manchester City at the start of July, but arrived at the training camp in Ireland with an illness which quickly spread among team-mates and staff.
The 20-year-old – who impressed at Dutch top-flight side FC Twente in 2016/17 – had a limited pre-season and is yet to make his Championship debut.
There have been encouraging glimpses of his direct-running and quick-footed skills in the Carabao Cup though, with the Kosovan international providing an assist in the win at Luton and scoring a consolation in Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace. “He’s got real talent,” enthused Sears, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Championship clash with Fulham at Portman Road.
“He’s been unlucky with the illnesses he keeps bringing in and spreading, but from day one we’ve been able to see the ability the boy has got. He’s obviously at Man City for a reason.
“In training some of the things he does are amazing. You try and stay away from him because he’ll put it through your legs!
“Didzy (David McGoldrick) is another one like that who can do things that others can’t do.
“I grew up watching the likes of Joe Cole and (Paolo) Di Canio at West Ham who were special players who had that extra bit of flair. They are the sort of players that fans want to see.
“Hopefully he can get fit properly and start helping us out.”
The Blues are looking to make history tomorrow by becoming the first team in the club’s professional history to win their opening five league games.
Boss Mick McCarthy is likely to name the same team which beat Brentford 2-0 at Portman Road last weekend having rested all of his senior players for knockout football in midweek.
Celina, however, could replace McGoldrick if the latter’s pregnant wife, now beyond her due date, goes into labour.
“I know Bersant is getting frustrated,” said McCarthy. “He’s not happy and wants to be in the team, but I’ve shown him a copy of the league (table). He just needs to keep doing things positively and wait for his chance.”
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