TOWN boss Peter Jackson hopes international interest will help lift John McAliskey for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old frontman was watched in action for the Reserves this week by Republic of Ireland Under 21 chief Don Givens.
McAliskey qualifies for Eire through his grandparents and enhanced his chances of a call-up when making five straight League starts for Town before losing his place to loan signing Luke Beckett.
"I know that Don Givens came to watch Macca at Cheltenham last season, so this follow-up is good," said Jackson.
"When managers are talking to me about our young players they always mention Macca, because they all recognise the talent he's got.
"When you think of similar players it's Peter Crouch who immediately comes to mind, but I think back to my playing days at Bradford and can make a better comparison with Ian Ormondroyd.
"Sticks, as we called him, went in a big-money move to the top flight and, while Ormondroyd was better in the air, Macca is different class to him overall. Macca has great flair and the quickest feet in the club. He has tremendous skill and his finishing is also excellent."
McAliskey, with two goals to his name, has spent much of this season on the bench despite making a big impression last term.
"Macca burst on the scene from nowhere and his rise to prominence with the first team was unbelievable," added Jackson.
"Considering he'd not been doing that well in the Reserves, I was pleased with him in that five-match run and he's got a big part to play here. Macca is working really hard in the gym, building up his strength, and at 6ft 4in he knows he needs to improve his heading.
"If he could head the ball like Boothy then I'm sure he'd already be playing at a higher level, but he's got a lot to be positive about.
"I just wish he would pass his driving test and then I wouldn't have to keep giving him his bus fare home!"
Town Junior Michael Collins was captain of the Irish Under 19 side which won 2-0 in Italy.
The honour confirms Collins' progress this season and he was joined in the starting line-up by his Galpharm colleague James Hand, who played on the wing.
Ireland drew their first game against the Italians 0-0, when Collins was at the heart of midfield.
In last night's Championship match, Sheffield Wednesday beat Port Vale 1-0 with a cracking goal from Steve MacLean as Town's South Yorkshire rivals stretched an unbeaten run to eight games.
