3/1 To Win
Jack Stretton has been amongst the goals for Derby County’s Under-23s in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old bagged a hat-trick as Pat Lyons’ side recorded an emphatic 6-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2 - Division 1 last Friday evening.
In total, Stretton has scored six times in five outings for the Under-23s this term.
The Scotland Under-21 international has spent most of the campaign with Wayne Rooney’s first-team squad and made ten appearances in all competitions, mainly from the bench.
He also scored first Rams goal came earlier in the campaign as he opened the scoring in a 2-1 loss at Peterborough United.
Experienced duo Sam Baldock and Colin Kazim-Richards have returned to the fold in recent weeks after spells out of action due to injury, which has presented Stretton with the opportunity to get match minutes with the Under-23s.
The Academy graduate, who is continuing to train with the first team, is aware of the importance of getting game time under his belt so when he is called upon by Rooney, he is ready and raring to go.
“I got a goal against Liverpool in the previous game for the Under-23s and to get three was a great feeling,” Stretton told RamsTV after the win over Blackburn.
“I’m top goalscorer for the Under-23s now and I know I just need to keep going and score more for the team.
“Each time I play it is about showing the gaffer what I can do and try to force my way into the team. While I am getting games for the Under-23s I’ll give my best and try to get more goals.
“That’s been the message from the manager. It’s been really important to get some minutes in my legs and keep ticking over so when the time comes that I’m needed with the first-team, I’m ready.”
The Under-23s hammering of Blackburn saw the side record a much-needed three points after a challenging start to the league campaign.
The win means Lyons’ side are four points behind Chelsea, while they also have a game in hand on all the teams directly above them in the Premier League 2 - Division 1 table.
“Going into the international break, I think we needed the win”, Stretton said.
“We said in the changing room beforehand that we needed to win after a tough run of games and results that we didn’t want.
“A big win puts us in a good place for when we return to the matches.”
Derby’s Under-23s return to action in their latest Premier League Cup group game against Reading at Loughborough University Stadium on Monday 15th November (7pm kick-off).
Their next Premier League 2 - Division 1 fixture is also at Loughborough University Stadium on Friday 19th November against Manchester United (7pm kick-off).
