Derby County's Tom Ince was once tipped to become a Premier League star after bursting onto the scene at Blackpool a couple of years ago, following their relegation from the top flight.

The winger began his career at Liverpool but only appeared once for the Reds after spending a year on Merseyside, having become a product of their famous youth academy.

After a loan spell at Notts County, Ince permanently joined Blackpool in the summer of 2011 for an undisclosed fee and would become a prominent member of the first team at Bloomfield Road.

The 25-year-old racked up over 100 appearances for the Tangerines during his three years there but signed for Hull City on a free transfer after letting his contract expire at Blackpool.

Tom Ince wouldn't enjoy much success in Yorkshire as he then put pen-to-paper on a contract at Derby County in July 2015 - he's now a fans' favourite at the Pride Park and one of their star performers this season under the guidance of Steve McClaren.

These are 2 things you probably never knew about the former England under-21 international...

Given his chance by his father

Tom Ince made his league debut under his father - Paul.

At the time, Notts County were being led by ex-West Ham, Manchester United and Liverpool man Paul Ince and he brought in his son in the November of 2010 following his struggle at Liverpool.

Tom made a number of cup appearances under his father before his league debut for the then-League One side, which came in a 3-1 loss on the road to Exeter City.

The forward's first career goal would be just around the corner, hitting the net in December in a 2-0 victory over Milton Keynes.

Upon Paul Ince's departure from Meadow Lane to return to Anfield, he was determined to re-sign his son but Liverpool refused because he wouldn't commit his long-term future to the Premier League giants.

Talisman

Tom Ince has become one of the first names on the team sheet since his arrival at Pride Park eighteen months ago.

The attacker has scored in 27 matches for the Rams and his side have only lost on one occasion - coming in January's 3-2 defeat to Reading.

Derby's record when Ince has bagged himself a goal during a game is 14 wins and 10 draws, with just that one loss.