FELLOW countryman Marton Fulop today predicted that striker Tamas Priskin will blossom under a new Ipswich Town manager.

The Hungarian international striker scored the goal that saw the Blues beat Arsenal in Wednesday’s Carling Cup semi-final first leg and is expected to keep his place in Paul Jewell’s first match in charge at Millwall tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

While previous manager Roy Keane was bemoaning the fact over Christmas that he had only youngsters to call on from the bench, he left 24-year-old Priskin out of his squad.

This is believed to have led on from a difference of opinion when Priskin had few touches after coming on as a second half substitute at Preston on December 11.

“I have never had any doubts that Tamas will score goals given a chance by Ipswich,” said Fulop.

“He is a fantastic lad and a great player and I knew for sure that he can play at this level.

“Scoring against Arsenal was his reward for his hard work with a lot of balls hitting the channels and Tamas chasing every cause.

“People will talk about his goal, but he was important in other areas of his game as well.

“He’ll do well for the new manager and I left the field feeling so proud.

“Before the game I received numerous text messages from Hungary, and the match was shown live in our country.

“With Tamas scoring and keeping a clean sheet it was an unbelievable evening where we all had to show our character after the 7-0 defeat at Chelsea and the chance of manager.”

Keeper Fulop is now focussing on helping to life Town up the table after accruing just four points out of the last 27 and drifting down to 19th place in the Championship.

“With the traditions and history of this club our current position is not acceptable,” added Fulop.

“Now we want to give our supporters more to cheer starting at Millwall.”