Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert has lauded Flynn Downes following the midfielder's performance in the club's opening day victory over Burton Albion.

The 20-year-old excelled throughout the clash with the Brewers alongside Cole Skuse and was named the Tractor Boys' man-of-the-match as the club secured an impressive three points on their travels.

Despite featuring on 31 occasions for Ipswich last season, Downes was unable to prevent his side from suffering relegation to League One as they ended the year 13 points adrift of safety.

After witnessing the midfielder make a bright start to life in the third tier for the Tractor Boys, Lambert told the East Anglian Daily Times: "I think Flynn Downes is getting better and better with every passing day.

"I think he's got a big future.

"He's a long way from being the finished article but he's going in the right direction.

"This season could be massive for him.

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"He's a hardy kid as everyone knows and he has that little bit of devilment the top players need.

"You can't curtail it at times by you have to in the right way.

"He's got one hell of a future, that's for sure."

Downes is expected to be in action once again for Ipswich when they host Sunderland at Portman Road next Saturday.

The Verdict

When you consider that Downes was making headlines for all the wrong reasons last week after being sent-off for a headbutt against Cambridge United in a pre-season friendly, Lambert has every right to be delighted about the way the midfielder has recovered from this particular setback.

Blessed with a wide array of skills, the Ipswich academy graduate will be aiming to lead the club back to the Championship at the first-time of asking in 2020 by becoming a mainstay in the club's starting eleven this season.

Yet in order to achieve a breakthrough campaign for the Tractor Boys, it is paramount that Downes manages to keep his head in a division which is known for its competitive nature as well as its tough tackling.