Ipswich Town midfielder Cole Skuse has revealed that he thinks team-mate Flynn Downes has what it takes to play at the highest level.

The 33-year-old has played alongside the Tractor Boys academy graduate in all six of the club's League One clashes this season.

Downes, who scored in Ipswich's 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town last weekend, has experience a rapid rise to prominence at Portman Road.

Handed his debut in 2017 against Birmingham City, the 20-year-old was then loaned out by the Tractor Boys to Luton Town for the remainder of the campaign where he made 10 appearances as the club secured promotion to League One.

After returning to Ipswich last summer, Downes quickly established himself as a key player for the club by featuring on 30 occasions in all competitions.

Whilst the England Under-20 international was unable to prevent the Tractor Boys' relegation in May, he has since helped Paul Lambert's side make a superb start to life in the third-tier.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times about Downes, Skuse said: "He's one of our best young midfielders.

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"I've said it before about Flynn and I know this isn't what everybody wants to hear, but I don't think he's going to be at the club much longer because he is destined to play at the very top.

"You don't get selected to play for your country unless you're a top player.

"As a group we need to achieve our goal of winning promotion, which might keep him here a bit longer."

Currently top of the League One standings, Ipswich could move further clear of the likes of Lincoln City and Wycombe Wanderers by securing a handsome victory over Doncaster Rovers tomorrow.

The Verdict

Unquestionably one the most exciting prospects to emerge from Ipswich's academy in recent years, Downes will be confident that he can help his side make an immediate return to the Championship next year.

However, by continuing to produce the goods on a consistent basis for the Tractor Boys over the coming months, the midfielder may end up attracting a considerable amount of interest from the top-flight in January.

If this does occur, Lambert must resist the temptation to sell Downes as doing so could derail Ipswich's bid for automatic promotion.