Derby County coach Liam Rosenior has predicted that teenage midfielder Max Bird "is going to have a great career". 

The 19-year-old is a product of the Rams academy and is having his most impressive season for the senior side to date.

Bird has featured 18 times in total and was a mainstay between January and March – starting 12 of their last 13 Championship games.

Only Fulham have earned more Championship points than Derby since the first of January, a run that has seen them move to within five points of the play-offs.

The arrival of Wayne Rooney has been a factor in that success but Bird deserves credit for his performances as well.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rosenior discussed Bird's performances this season and predicted that the teenager has a great career ahead of him.

He said: "He's been absolutely outstanding. He's playing next to his hero. Max was a Manchester United fan, season ticket holder with his dad, who has sadly passed away.

"What an unbelievable situation it is for Max to find himself playing with his hero every week. He's been outstanding and he's going to have a great career."

Bird's performances appear to have turned some heads elsewhere, however, as Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the midfielder in the summer.

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The Verdict

It's hard to disagree with Rosenior on this one, Bird looks a really exciting prospect and like a player that could have a future in the top flight.

Derby will be hoping that can be with them but the interest of Chelsea will likely be a hard thing to hold off – particularly given the Frank Lampard link.

That said, the 19-year-old is currently playing next to Rooney in midfield and as a childhood United fan, might be happy to keep doing that and playing regularly at Derby for some time.