England U21s boss Ben Futcher has heaped praised on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after his display in the young Lions' win over Ukraine on Friday night.

Delap caught the eye as England qualified for next summer's U21 EURO finals with a 2-1 victory thanks to two late goals from James McAtee in Bournemouth.

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Speaking about Delap - who's already bagged four Premier League goals in seven games - to football journalist Henry Winter after the game, interim boss Futcher said: “He’s given their centre-halves a real rough night.

"Liam was an absolute handful. If you want to go and fight him, he'll match you. If you want to race him, he’ll win the race.

“He’s very difficult to deal with, he’s quick, he’s powerful, he’s in good form in the Premier League. Liam’s a top number nine and he’s going to keep developing.”

Liam Delap has already bagged four Premier League goalsLiam Delap has already bagged four Premier League goals (Image: PA) Futcher added: “Ipswich are very fortunate to have such a good striker on their hands.”

Delap, who played alongside Town team-mate Omari Hutchinson - who also impressed - was booked for dissent in Friday's game, meaning he'll miss England's final qualifying match with Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

And Futcher said Delap needs to learn to control his aggression - but he doesn't want him to lose that edge.

“It’s a good aggression," Futcher explained. "I wouldn’t be trying to take any aggression out of him because that’s one of his major strengths.

"But he needs to learn to control it. He’s suspended for the next game now.”

Omari Hutchinson also impressed for England U21sOmari Hutchinson also impressed for England U21s (Image: PA)