Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny told The Sun he has been watching Derby County’s Jason Knight a lot recently and is pleased with the midfielder’s progression.
Knight has been an almost ever-present for Derby this season.
The 20-year-old broke into the Derby team last season under former boss Phillip Cocu, and he has gone on to make 36 Championship starts so far in the 2020/21 campaign.
Knight’s progress saw him make his Republic of Ireland debut in November 2020.
And speaking to reporters ahead of Ireland’s clash with Luxembourg, manager Stephen Kenny claims the Derby player is close to starting and capable of doing well.
“Some players not selected, Jason Knight for example, he’s well capable of coming in and doing well. Jason is a terrific young player. Josh Cullen and Jayson Molumby got the nod on Wednesday but Jason was very close as well. We’re very pleased with Jason’s form with Derby County, I’ve got to see him quite a lot. He’s been playing in a lot of different positions for Derby and we’re very pleased with him,” Kenny explained.
Knight has plenty of potential and is among Derby’s most consistent players.
But somewhat unfairly, the former Rams academy man has been tasked with covering several positions this season and the constant chopping and changing may affect his play.
Knight regularly tops Derby’s running charts in terms of number of sprints and distance covered but having a regular position may help improve his game further.
Wayne Rooney evidently sees him as dependable, and this summer could give the Derby boss the opportunity to start to mould his squad around the young Irish dynamo.
Knight’s rise at Pride Park, however, hasn’t gone unnoticed as reports from ExWHUemployee via our sister site Hammers News claims West Ham United are tracking him.
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