IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell and skipper David Norris joined forces to praise 17-year-old Connor Wickham‘s wonder solo goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Sheffield United at Portman Road.

Jewell, who oversaw the youngster signing a contract extension last month that ties him to Town for two and half years, said:

“It was a great goal and if anyone else had come on the pitch he’d have gone past them too.

“It was like Thierry Henry against Tottenham in a North London derby all those years ago, where he picked the ball up and went past everyone.

“It should do bundles for his confidence.

“Connor has got that in his locker and deserves a lot of plaudits.

“He’s got huge potential and all the tools you need to be a top-class footballer, but I have to be really careful not to put too much pressure on his very young shoulders.

“We all know he’s a centre-forward and that’s where he’ll end up playing.

“But he’s doing such a good job for us out on the left and it’s an education for him because it’s another string to his bow.

“He’s adapted to the role we’ve asked him to play really well and defensively he’s been brilliant.”

Considerable praise indeed with the sentiments echoed by Norris, who also scored along with Damien Delaney.

“We shouldn’t really be surprised that he’s scored such a great goal,” said Norris.

“He’s got the ability and he’s some player on his day.

“Connor’s a big, strong, lad and his goal was just different class.”

And Luca Civelli, who made his comeback after a long injury lay-off, added his comments.

The Argentinian said: “It shows how important it is to keep Connor at the club.

“I was sitting on the bench and it had us all trying to get to our feet.

“Our fans have been great again and it was excellent that they should witness such a great moment.“