Mick McCarthy has backed Teddy Bishop to show the Ipswich Town fans exactly what they’ve been missing as he continues his return to action.

The 21-year-old made his first appearance of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday and should feature again at Derby tonight, having battled injury for much of the last two years.

Bishop has admitted he has felt like ‘the forgotten man’ during his battle with injuries, but McCarthy certainly hasn’t forgotten just how talented the midfielder in.

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“Once he’s fit we know what he brings to the party – his ability when he’s on the ball, his ability to glide past people and find a pass and that technical ability,” McCarthy said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Teddy Bishop back in action at Aston Villa Picture PagepixTeddy Bishop back in action at Aston Villa Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“He has great pace as well, Bish, and I’m not sure everyone associates that with him. He can go past people and he makes things happen.

“The one thing I remember is the Blackpool game (November 2014). I know Aitor Karanka waxed lyrical after Middlesbrough down here, but the Blackpool game up there when has danced past two or three and set the goal up. That’s the ability that he has.

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“He feels good at the minute. It’s the best he has felt in two years at the minute, which is good, and it’s lovely for him.

“Whatever we think – me, the team, the club and the fans – think about a young man with so much ability and not being able to use it. It’s shocking, it really is, and for him not to be able to enjoy having that ability.”

McCarthy was encouraged by Bishop’s display on his return at Villa Park and is excited to see more as he returns to full fitness.

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“Even on Saturday he got the ball, picked his head up and drifted past a couple and you can see how he moves and how fluent he is,” McCarthy said.

East Anglian Daily Times: The fit-again Teddy Bishop slides into a challenge on Alan Hutton at Villa Park. Picture: PagepixThe fit-again Teddy Bishop slides into a challenge on Alan Hutton at Villa Park. Picture: Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

“There is nothing wrong with his ability and nothing wrong with his pace, he’s not lost any of that, it’s just getting him fit because he’s a cracking footballer.”