Newly-crowned Player of the Year Daryl Murphy sees similarities between rising Ipswich Town team-mate Teddy Bishop and Premier League regulars Jack Colback and Jordan Henderson.

The 18-year-old completed his first 90 minutes for the Blues in Saturday’s home win against Blackpool and could have a key role to play in Town’s play-off pursuit.

Town head into tonight’s game at home to mid-table Cardiff clinging onto the Championship’s final play-off spot and could finish this evening as high as fifth or as low as eighth.

Manager Mick McCarthy may choose to rest the midfielder for the clash especially with Saturday’s crunch visit to eighth-placed Wolves on the horizon.

However, the youngster is likely to have an impact in Town’s run-in, much to Murphy’s delight.

“He is probably as good a young player that I have known,” said Murphy.

“I played with Jack Colback (Newcastle) and Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) when I was at Sunderland and I could see how good they were then.

“Teddy is probably on a par with them both at that age.

“There is a lot to take in when you have not played at this level before and he has been brilliant.”

Murphy is likely to start in attack tonight with Saturday’s two-goal hero, Freddie Sears.

“He’s a clever player who makes runs off the ball and gets on the end of my flick-ons,” explained Murphy.

“He’s a handful for defenders and that suits me better as I can hold the ball up and win headers. He plays off me very well.”