Rushian Hepburn-Murphy has revealed his delight at securing a January switch to Derby County and admitted he knows he faces a battle to get near the first-team. 

The young forward had previously spent time on loan at League One strugglers Tranmere Rovers, notching five goals in all competitions before being recalled by his parent club.

Hepburn-Murphy originally progressed through Villa's academy system before making his first team debut during the 2014/2015 campaign, which then led to the player being loaned out to Cambridge United and the aforementioned Tranmere respectively.

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His move to Pride Park is certainly a big chance to show that he can cut it at a higher level and the striker recently told Rams TV about his excitement after sealing the move:

"I think it was a very, very good move for me. Derby is a big club - they got to the play-off final last year - so there is no guarantees with getting in the (first) team.

"But I think it's all down to me and how well I play and perform in training."

Hepburn-Murphy recently had a runout for the club's under 23 side as they lost 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers on Monday and will be hoping to make an impression on Phillip Cocu ahead of a potential call up to the first team.

The Verdict

This has the potential to be a very shrewd acquisition from Derby's point of view as they are bringing in a striker who clearly has the potential to score goals at Championship level after proving himself in Leagues One and Two.

He will certainly add an extra dimension to the side's attack, with his pace and ability to get in behind the opposition defence sure to add a new quality to the club's offensive department.

From the player's point of view, he will know that this is an extremely big opportunity for him to make a really big impression on both Cocu and Villa boss Dean Smith before making his return to the Premier League club this coming summer.

Meanwhile, the Rams will be hoping to attain another three points this weekend as they travel to South Wales to take on Championship play-off chasers Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.