Paul Warne has just claimed one of his Derby County players has just done something in training that he’s never seen before.
Derby County are preparing for one of their biggest matches in recent history.
Having dispatched Cambridge United 1-0 last weekend, the Rams require just a point from Saturday’s match against Carlisle United to guarantee their return to the Championship.
Conor Hourihane revealed earlier this week that his teammates have felt relaxed on the pitch following their goalless draw against Wycombe Wanderers.
The 33-year-old is one of several players who has starred for Paul Warne this term, alongside Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Curtis Nelson, Eiran Cashin and James Collins.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
One player who has been robbed of that opportunity is Tyreece John-Jules. Captured on loan from Arsenal last summer, the prolific striker has missed large spells of the season through injury but he could play a part against Carlisle on Saturday.
Tyreece John-Jules did something in training that Paul Warne has never seen before
When John-Jules suffered a hamstring injury against Reading in January, it was originally feared the 23-year-old would miss the remainder of the campaign.
The youngster – who Mikel Arteta described as the “complete player” – required surgery afterwards but his rehab has gone well so the Gunners gave him the green light to return to Derby this week.
Now, ahead of their clash against the Cumbrians on Saturday, John-Jules could get the chance to impress under the backdrop of a party atmosphere at Pride Park, especially after Warne’s latest comments.
He claimed the Arsenal loanee did something in training that he’d never seen before, which speaks volumes of his talent.
As per the Derby Telegraph: “He’s been training,” said Warne. “He irritates me because he came in on Tuesday and was the best kid in training again. He did that stupid pass into the floor, it bounces up and it goes into the goal. I’ve never seen any footballer do that. It’s good to have him back and he is competing for a place as they all are.
“The lads who have been playing the last few weeks have all looked good as well so we have a few decisions to make, but on the back of wins it’s not as difficult.”
Tyreece John-Jules future
During the early stages of his senior career, John-Jules has been robbed of the chance to showcase his talent regularly, with injuries at Derby continuing to plague his development.
Although opportunities at Pride Park have been limited due to injury, he did score a vital goal in the 1-0 win against Port Vale and the way he’s bounced back by being the best in training shows his mentality.
It would be an emotional end to the season if Derby wrapped up promotion and John-Jules was given minutes on the pitch.
But as far as his long-term future goes, that’s likely to be away from Derbyshire given his injury troubles however, Warne’s latest comments show how highly he rates him.
The talented striker sees his contract at the Emirates expire this summer, so it will be interesting to see where he goes, with a third-tier side perhaps willing to take a gamble on him.