Eames has 'got an X-factor' - Wilson

Former Derby County striker and academy coach Kevin Wilson believes midfielder Owen Eames has "a big future" ahead of him after making his debut for the Rams in their FA Cup loss to Leeds on Sunday.

The 19-year-old is a product of Derby's academy and played 17 minutes in the defeat by Leeds for his maiden senior appearance.

"I think the kid has a got a real big future," Wilson told BBC Radio Derby.

"He certainly made an impression on a lot of people on Sunday from his first 15 minutes with the first team on the pitch, but I've seen him four times this year and I've been very impressed with him.

"With his creativity for other people, his unselfish running off the ball but also very good on the ball."

Derby have not had an academy graduate break through into the first team since midfielder Liam Thompson did so in 2022.

But Wilson thinks that Eames has got what it takes for a successful senior career.

"He's got an X-factor, hasn't he? He's got that bit other players haven't got," Wilson added.

"He's got a hunger, he's got a desire. There aren't many players that can press like he does, he really presses well. He's most likely as good as I've seen in a while from a young lad.

"I think as long as everything goes well for him going forward and the right decisions are made, I'm sure he will be a name that people would go 'I remember this kid'."

Listen to Wilson's full thoughts and more Derby County content on BBC Sounds.