Linking back up with your boyhood club having spent over a decade away has become something of a theme in English football this summer, with Wayne Rooney and now Tom Huddlestone returning to their youth stages to represent the side’s that developed them into the players they are today.

Whereas Rooney has become an international star, smashing both England and Manchester United’s long standing top goalscorer records, Huddlestone has enjoyed a more modest journey, although the pair can count each other as former international teammates.

Derby boss Gary Rowett has decided the time is right to bring Huddlestone back to Pride Park, and the 30-year-old will slot into the role vacated by the departure of Will Hughes, who has swapped the East Midlands for Hertfordshire following a move to Watford.

The 6 ft 3 midfield general will look to sit in the middle of the park and dictate play as he has done for the entirety of his professional career, and is the perfect addition to Rowett’s squad at this stage.

The Rams had been lacking a deep-lying playmaker with the ability to win the ball, and bringing Huddlestone into the side will add a new dimension to Derby at both ends of the field.

The Nottingham born man rejoins the Rams with a wealth of Premier League experience, but can also boast Championship exposure, having won promotion from the division in 2016 with former side Hull City.

Derby fans will be happy to see their former youth prospect back at the club, and will know the player still has a few years of high quality performances left in the tank.

Rowett has not only appeased the fans by bringing a former youth team product back to the club, but has also significantly strengthened his outfit with the addition of Huddlestone, and the Rams are beginning to look like serious contenders for a top two berth.