Source: PA
Clough excited by Rams youngsters
Derby boss Nigel Clough is relishing working with the young players in his squad and is delighted by the steps forward they are making.
The Rams fielded five players aged 22 in the starting XI that beat Watford 4-1 on Saturday - summer signings John Brayford, James Bailey and Tomasz Cywka along with loan signings Alberto Bueno and Frank Fielding.
Also in the squad were rookies Ben Pringle, Conor Doyle, Mark O'Brien and Ross Atkins, which meant nine of the 18 players selected to face the Hornets were 22 or younger.
Clough told the Derby Telegraph: "It is still very early days but we are excited by the young lads because they are doing well at the moment. Their energy and youthfulness is lovely to see, as is their enthusiasm in training.
"They came in on Monday morning after the game at the weekend and trained like it was another game or like it was the day before a cup final. It's an absolute pleasure working with them.
"Of course, we have to get the right balance in the team between youngsters and established players. We feel we have got the established players, though a number of them are not fit at the moment."
