Paul Warne has just claimed one of his Derby County players has just done something in training that he’s never seen before.
Derby County is gearing up for one of its most significant matches in recent memory. Following a 1-0 victory against Cambridge United last weekend, the team only needs a draw in Saturday’s game against Carlisle United to secure their return to the Championship. Conor Hourihane mentioned earlier this week that the players have been more at ease on the field since their goalless draw against Wycombe Wanderers. Alongside Hourihane, key players this season for Paul Warne’s side have been Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Curtis Nelson, Eiran Cashin, and James Collins. Tyreece John-Jules, loaned from Arsenal last summer, has unfortunately missed much of the season due to injury but may have a chance to contribute against Carlisle on Saturday.
Tyreece John-Jules did something in training that Paul Warne has never seen before
When John-Jules suffered a hamstring injury against Reading in January, it was originally feared the 23-year-old would miss the remainder of the campaign.
The youngster – who Mikel Arteta described as the “complete player” – required surgery afterwards but his rehab has gone well so the Gunners gave him the green light to return to Derby this week.
Now, ahead of their clash against the Cumbrians on Saturday, John-Jules could get the chance to impress under the backdrop of a party atmosphere at Pride Park, especially after Warne’s latest comments.
He claimed the Arsenal loanee did something in training that he’d never seen before, which speaks volumes of his talent.
As per the Derby Telegraph: “He’s been training,” said Warne. “He irritates me because he came in on Tuesday and was the best kid in training again. He did that stupid pass into the floor, it bounces up and it goes into the goal. I’ve never seen any footballer do that. It’s good to have him back and he is competing for a place as they all are.
“The lads who have been playing the last few weeks have all looked good as well so we have a few decisions to make, but on the back of wins it’s not as difficult.”
Tyreece John-Jules future
During the early stages of his senior career, John-Jules has been robbed of the chance to showcase his talent regularly, with injuries at Derby continuing to plague his development.
Although opportunities at Pride Park have been limited due to injury, he did score a vital goal in the 1-0 win against Port Vale and the way he’s bounced back by being the best in training shows his mentality.
It would be an emotional end to the season if Derby wrapped up promotion and John-Jules was given minutes on the pitch.
But as far as his long-term future goes, that’s likely to be away from Derbyshire given his injury troubles however, Warne’s latest comments show how highly he rates him.
The talented striker sees his contract at the Emirates expire this summer, so it will be interesting to see where he goes, with a third-tier side perhaps willing to take a gamble on him.