Derby County first-team coach Matt Hamshaw thinks there has been ‘a breakthrough’ for Tyreece John-Jules recently.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Hamshaw suggested that the Arsenal loanee had finally gotten past the worst of his injury problems.
Tyreece John-Jules joined Derby County on loan from the Emirates Stadium in August, but suffered a thigh injury during the international break after making only two appearances for his new club.
The forward has struggled with injuries throughout his whole career so far and things looked to have gone from bad to worse when he was sidelined for two months shortly after arriving at Pride Park.
However, John-Jules finally returned to the team midweek and went onto score with his first touch to gift The Rams all three points against Port Vale, securing their place in the play-off spots for now.
It was a brilliant comeback for the forward, who received high praise from Hamshaw.
“It should do tonnes for his confidence, but he’s a confident boy anyway,” he said. “He believes in his ability and I know he’s been plagued with a few injuries.
“I don’t want to be the commentator’s curse but we feel like we have got near the bottom of it. His strength’s much better, his frame of mind is much better and let’s just hope it can continue. I am not saying it has been cracked, but it feels like a bit of a breakthrough. I think he can bring a lot more to the team. He can go in behind, he can play short, he’s got good feet, I am just pleased for him.”
Can Tyreece John-Jules force his way into the Derby County line-up?
Derby County haven’t been short of goals from their attackers this season, with James Collins, Martyn Waghorn and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing picking up 18 goals between them in all competitions.
However, Conor Washington’s recent injury that could see him sidelined for three months could provide Tyreece John-Jules with a way in.
The 22-year-old was named on the bench alongside Waghorn against Port Vale and may not have even got his opportunity to score the winner if Washington had been available.
His goal at Vale Park will hopefully give him plenty of confidence and it may have come at the perfect time, with Paul Warne likely to rotate the squad during a very busy Christmas period.
If John-Jules can stay fit then he can hopefully make an impact before his loan spell ends.