Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy says he would start talented teenager Teddy Bishop every game if he could.

The 18-year-old academy graduate has burst onto the scene this season, impressing with his exciting combination of quick feet and braveness on the ball.

He’s been limited to seven starts and three substitute appearances so far though, the midfielder picking up several minor injuries and struggling with fatigue along the way.

Town take on Bournemouth in a mouth-watering top-six Championship clash on the south coast this afternoon.

And Bishop could be set for a bigger role over the coming weeks following the return of injured loanee Jonny Williams to parent club Crystal Palace this week.

“If Teddy could get through every game then I’d play him because he’s been excellent,” said McCarthy. “But I can’t at this moment in time.

“If he’d have played every game and not had cramp and not stood up at half-time and had his calves rubbed then he’d have featured more.

“I’m not knocking him for that because the intensity we play at is nothing like what he’s been used to in the Under-18s and 21s.

“We have to manage him. I’d be bonkers to keep whipping him and telling him to keep going. We have to look after him to get the best out of him.”

Asked if he sees Bishop as the ideal replacement for Williams, the Blues boss replied: “Not playing Jonny’s position. Jonny Williams plays in behind and is more comfortable with his back to goal, which you end up doing as a number 10.

“Teddy is better at coming on to things and running past people. He’s not so bad in a two when they’re up behind, he does that comfortably, but Jonny’s the best at it.

“Teddy can do it, but not as good as Jonny Williams. And Teddy does the midfield role better than Jonny Williams. They’re different types of players.”

– See today’s EADT for full match preview. Follow @Stuart_Watson on Twitter for live match updates.