A STAR is born. Connor Wickham lifted the roof at Portman Road on Saturday when he scored one of the best goals the stadium has seen.

The 17-year--old netted the third goal of Ipswich Town’s 3-0 Championship victory over Sheffield United that lifted the Blues 10 points clear of relegation trouble.

And what a goal it was!

He ran from half way inside his own half to leave a couple of defenders trailing before going round another and the keeper and placing the ball into the empty net.

Brilliant and leaving his manager Paul Jewell to say: “If there had been another Sheffield United player on the field he would have gone round him as well.”

Wickham has already made his mark having arrived on the scene as a precocious 16-year-old who soon gained the interest of Premier League talent spotters.

But after picking up a couple of injuries his form this year has been patchy to say the least with only his performance at home to Arsenal in the Carling Cup setting him above the norm.

But the way he cut through the Blades confirmed Wickham’s X factor once and for all.

There are no doubts now - the lad is special, really special.

The arrival of Jewell has perked him up and although scouts will hover around him with even more interest after ‘that’ goal there is renewed hope that with the current manager at the helm Wickham can reap the benefits of the Premier League at Portman Road

If you were among the 18,280 at the game on Saturday you can say ‘I was there‘ when his amazing solo goal is recalled.

If you weren’t then get yourself down there as this boy has a store of memorable moments in his locker.

He’s a cut above the rest.