Phillip Cocu believes several youngsters from Derby County’s Academy are firmly knocking on the door to feature more prominently in his first-team squad.
The Dutchman has already handed four players from the Academy, Jason Knight, Louie Sibley, Lee Buchanan and Morgan Whittaker, their professional debuts so far this season.
The quartet, as well as the likes of Max Bird and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson, have been in and around the squad in the opening months of the campaign.
While not naming individuals, Cocu says a number of young players have shown real progress of late and displayed positive signs that they are capable of stepping up.
Derby’s Under-23 side are currently second Premier League 2 - Division 1 after eight matches, while the club’s Under-18s are sixth in Premier League North and have won seven of their last eight fixtures in all competitions.
They have also made progress in the UEFA Youth League, overcoming FC Minsk over two legs to reach the Second Round of the prestigious European competition.
Cocu has a track record of developing upcoming talent and believes there’s plenty of quality coming through the club’s youth ranks.
Speaking to RamsTV, Cocu said: “I have to say, the young players have really stepped up in the last few weeks. They are really close to getting into the team and it is something I have told the players as well.
“They know they have to perform well, but also show good attitude. If not, the young players are pushing all the time and they want to step in.
“This is something I am very pleased about because, of course we have to be focused on the first-team, but it is something we work hard on with the Academy staff as well.”
He added: “The young players are doing really well, look at the Under-18s and Under-23s result so far. I am pleased to see it and it is good for the future.”
Supporters can follow the latest news from the Academy across dcfc.co.uk, as well as on social media by following @dcfcademy on Facebook, Twitter and Instragram.