Former Hull City favourite Liam Delap has the potential to go on and become a regular at senior level for England, according to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Delap was a huge hit at City last season when he spent the season on loan with the Tigers, scoring eight goals in 32 games during his spell from Manchester City.

His three-month absence in the early part of 2024 was one of the key reasons the Tigers missed out on the Championship play-offs under former boss Liam Rosenior, only returning in the final month of the campaign after a severe knee injury.

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City tried hard to sign Delap during the summer but ultimately were unable to compete with the lure of the Premier League, and the 21-year-old forward went on to join newboys Ipswich Town in a deal worth around £20m.

Since going to the Premier League, Delap has caught the eye despite the Tractor Boys' struggles, netting six times and showing why he was such a focal point in the Black and Amber last term, and in turn, becoming such a favourite on the terraces.

Delap made his England Under-21 debut during his loan stint at City and has gone on to play ten times for the youngsters, having played for the Three Lions at every age group, but has now been backed to make the step up to senior level under Thomas Tuchel.

"Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age," Maresca said, having worked with the powerful forward at the Etihad Stadium, speaking ahead of Monday's trip to Portman Road. "I think we spent one year together, and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.

"England have many good players, many good strikers [but] he's working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England."