Delap caught the eye in a Town side that were relegated from the top flight last season, scoring 12 goals and proving a real handful for defenders thanks to his powerful running and aggressive style.
As a result, Chelsea triggered a £30m release clause and handed him the No.9 shirt at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old has been in and out the team when fit though, scoring three goals in 16 starts and 15 sub appearances.
Former Liverpool front man Heskey, who earned 62 caps for England, told OLBG: “Liam Delap is still a player for the future. He has time and you’ve got to really assess everything that is going on.
“What sort of football are they playing, first and foremost? Does it suit you and the way you play? Can you challenge whoever is the main number nine? Can you challenge them and cement yourself in their place?
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“You don’t want to be a bit part of anything, especially at that sort of age. You want to forge on with your career. He was at Ipswich Town and he got a little bit of a boost from playing there, playing regularly, and actually doing really well for them and securing those accolades last season.
“Now he’s a bit-part player and that probably doesn’t suit him. I don’t think being a bit-part player suits anyone, to be honest with you. You want to build up your consistency.
“I think he’s a fantastic player. He probably needs to work on his hold up play, being that one that no one wants to play against and getting a bit of reputation for being that kind of player.”
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Asked where he thinks Delap could move to next if things don’t work out at Chelsea, Heskey replied: “Manchester United have been mentioned, but again you don’t want to be a bit. You want to play and then move when you’re established.
“I think returning to Ipswich Town would be a good option if they come up next season because the fans know him, he knows the club, and he’ll be given time to get back to his best self.”
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