TheHomunculusLives

Is Eames likely to step up to u-21s next season?

They like names starting with K in that family don't they?

Thanks @Ghost of Clough - makes sense in that case. From the little I've seen of him he seems to have good technical ability and dribbling skills, but if the end product isn't there then he may not make the step up. Cruz Allen looks to be one of the most talented players to come out of the academy in recent years.

For whatever reason, at this stage Sibley hasn't fulfilled the potential he showed as a teenager, and I wonder if his future is as a utility player who can do a good job at wing back and in attacking midfield, including chipping in with the occasional important goal.

You didn't mention Fapetu in your summary, @Ghost of Clough - would you say he doesn't have the same potential as the players referenced in your post?

We'll find out next season just how ready Brown is. What's clear is that he can cope with the physical demands of men's football now he's had a sustained run of games, and his ability stands out at the (relatively low) level he's playing at even at a young age. But that doesn't mean he's ready to play 3 or 4 levels higher in the football pyramid week in week out, time will tell on that one. He certainly couldn't have done any more to advance his career in his loan spell though - well done Dajaune!

You don't think Ward is capable of playing in the Championship based on his recent form?

I think around two thirds of the current squad could do a decent job in the Championship - there's not the same step up for the best League One teams as there is from Championship to Premier League, as Ipswich have shown this season. The key to doing well for me is bringing in greater quality in a few key positions - in particular, a midfield general and a striker who is going to get 20 goals. Easier said than done I know!

It's going to go right to the wire between us and Bolton I think, however we have the points in the bag so I think we're narrow favourites as long as we hold our nerve.

What's clear from his form at Gateshead is that he's capable of adjusting to men's football and excelling, now he just needs the opportunity to see if he can continue that at a higher level.

It's a talented group for sure. I wonder if any will be fast tracked into the first team squad over the next year or so? Often it's about physical development as much as footballing ability, so probably too early for some 16/17 year olds however talented they are.

Does he make the matchday squad if everyone is fit and available though? Not sure he's getting on the bench ahead of Sibley, Thompson, Fornah or Smith, assuming our first choice midfield is Hourihane, Bird and Adams.

I do find it quite surprising that a club who have invested as much as us in our Academy in recent years doesn't have a single homegrown player under the age of 21 in the matchday squad when we're currently a League One club. Others on this forum have explained that several of our best prospects in the 18-20 age group were poached by other clubs (e.g. Kellyman, Kaide Gordon) so that's why we have a bit of a gap between the Bird/Sibley/Thompson generation and some of the promising talent in the under-18 age group.

I guess there are always a few players, even up to under-21 level, who are never going to be viewed as potential first team material, but have a role to play 'making up the numbers' to allow the better talents to have a platform to develop.

So for those he rate him and feel he's been hard done by, what level of player do you feel we'd be looking at if he had a proper run of games in his best position? Because if he's as good as some of you seem to think, he should be standing out as way too good for League One.

I'm really not sure what to make of Sibley at this stage of his career. He's been around the first team for 4 years now, under several managers and in a side struggling in the Championship or down in League One, yet still isn't a regular. Put together a highlights reel of his goals and you'd think he was a very good player, but there's clearly something missing as he's getting past the promising youngster stage now yet still isn't established.

I agree with other posters who have said we're much more likely to play a wide attacker centrally than throw in an untested youngster at such a critical point in the season. Weston could be on the bench - he does look the type who could nick a goal later in the game, but there's no way we'd start with him. Where are Waghorn and Washington - any ideas when either are back?

As it stands, he's arguably been the most successful of his Academy group, despite being discarded by Derby pretty early. Just goes to show some players develop at a quicker rate than others. Sibley looked a very exciting prospect at 18 but 4 years later he's a League One squad player while Whittaker is getting interest from Lazio and top scorer in the Championship.

Anything other than automatic promotion would be hugely disappointing from where we are now. This is League One. No excuses.

A really helpful and informative response as always, @Ghost of Clough - thank you. I also like what I've seen of Cox, seems calm and very comfortable on the ball. I wondered if Hawkins' development had stalled a little, but it sounds like you feel he's starting to kick on again. Obviously all these players are still very young, but lads like Allen and Thompson do seem to have a great chance of making it if they're managed well and given the right opportunities at the right time.

Based on long-term potential, which players in our academy have the highest ceiling if they fulfil their talent? Based on a scenario whereby their attitude is good and they don't have serious injuries. On the limited evidence I've seen, I'd say Jack Thompson and Cruz Allen.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for me is Tyrese Fornah. I thought he would be the young, athletic, physically dominant midfielder we needed alongside the likes of Bird and Hourihane, but he's basically delivered next to nothing and we've been forced to bring in Adams instead for that position.

I'd be really interested to understand why those 'in the know' about the Academy on this board, like @Ghost of Clough, don't feel Weston has what it takes to be part of the first team squad at Derby? Every time I see him I'm impressed by his skill and finishing ability, are there other factors that are holding him back - maybe his size/physicality?

Still all to play for, no outstanding teams and closely bunched together. We do have a lot of experienced players so if we can stay in contention then get players back from injuries for the run in, I think top two is achievable.

He looks a good prospect based on the few occasions I've seen him. Do any of the members here with a better knowledge of the academy have thoughts on his current progress/potential?