IT was love at first dribble for Bury winger Zeli Ismail who was moved to thank the fans for their incredible early-season support.

The 22-year-old free transfer from Wolves has been in irresistible form down the Shakers' right channel, with a string of top-draw performances since signing over the summer.

With pace, power and a keen eye for goal, Ismail has yet to face a full-back that has been able to keep him quiet, and the Albanian-born midfielder says it is the fans that have spurred him on to produce such dazzling displays.

“I love the fans,” Ismail declared. “Every time I get on the ball they just give me that extra bit of energy, they are always pushing me on, but it's not just me it's the whole team.

“We buzz off them, they have been so positive towards us and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about come the end of the season.”

Ismail attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester City after signing on Wolves' books as a 15-year-old schoolboy, but he struggled with injuries during his early career and spent much of it out on loan.

He made just 12 appearances during four years as a pro at Molineux, in between short-term spells at MK Dons, Burton, Notts County, Oxford and Cambridge.

But the youngster believes he has finally found his home at the seventh club of his fledgling career.

“I felt like I settled in from the moment I met the gaffer,” Ismail said. “I felt like I just got on with him, got on with the staff and the players.

"All together we are all on the right page and heading towards the right direction.

“For me, I've never been in a team where it's felt so good.”

Ismail's commitment to Bury has seen him uproot from Walsall to Manchester in a bid to spend more time on the training ground.

The Shakers lent a hand with the move by offering some “relocation money,” and they are now reaping the rewards through the winger's on-field performances.

“Zeli lived in Walsall but the first thing we spoke about was getting him to his full potential,” said manager David Flitcroft.

“There's a glass ceiling with him. We talked about it, it's how you live.

"I didn't want him travelling up and down the motorway. We assisted in getting him some relocation money to make sure he did buy a place up here and he is committed to it.

“He has found a place 10 minutes away from Carrington so he is always there, he is dedicated to his profession and you are seeing the benefits of that.