Ipswich Town’s teenage starlet Teddy Bishop already has Premier League quality.

So says manager Mick McCarthy after the 18-year-old midfielder’s stock rose during Saturday’s goalless draw at Bolton.

The recent academy graduate has been eased into the first team this season, but whenever he’s played he’s caught the eye with his turn of pace, comfort on the ball and dribbling skills.

And he also proved he’s fully prepared to do the ugly side of the game at the Macron Stadium at the weekend, chasing back, making tackles and proving – for his size – he’s hard to knock off the ball too.

“He’s great – I love the Bish,” said McCarthy, breaking into a big grin at the very mention of the youngster’s name.

“I always say I love players that work hard and who epitomise me. Well he puts his shift in.

“And he’s a fabulous footballer; one that’s only going to get better. Everybody is talking about Tyrone Mings – well there’s plenty looking at him as well. He’s got Premier League ability, no doubt.”

Bishop has made eight starts and six substitute appearances for Town’s first team this season, McCarthy keen to manage his work load following a year of injuries at youth team level.

The Blues, who slipped to fourth at the weekend, have a less hectic festive schedule than usual this year though.

Most of the long away journeys are out the way, three of the next four league games are at home, while there’s no New Year’s Day game and just one midweek game between now and February 10.

“We have to manage him,” said McCarthy, when asked about Bishop recently. “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.”