Derby County striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram will reportedly be part of the Rams first team if and when the 2019/20 Championship season resumes.Â
The 21-year-old has fired in 22 goals in 28 games for the East Midlands club's U23s side this season, as well as adding five assists.
Hector-Ingram turned down a professional contract to sign with the Rams in August and is highly rated at the club, with academy director Darren Wassall suggesting he is "unplayable" when he's in the mood.
It appears he may get a chance to prove himself with the senior side if the Championship gets back underway in June, as reports have suggested it will.
Richard Cusack of the Derby Telegraph has revealed he will be part of Phillip Cocu's squad for the run-in.
The striker was recently pictured training with the first-team in Louie Sibley's Instagram update.
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Derby's main focus if the season does indeed return will be securing a play-off spot. Cocu's men have looked a different animal since the turn of the year, with only Fulham winning more points than them in that period.
They now sit just five points back from the top six, a gap they will feel confident they can close in the nine remaining games.
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The Verdict
This is exciting news. Hector-Ingram has been on fire for the U23s this season and looks a serious talent.
Cocu has shown he is willing to put faith in youth this season, with the likes of Sibley and Max Bird getting chances in the senior side, so the 21-year-old could end up having an impact.
The Dutchman has got some interesting options upfront, with Chris Martin, Jack Marriott, and Martyn Waghorn all playing a part this term, but Hector-Ingram could add a bit of additional firepower to Derby's promotion push.