Derby County academy notebook as striker's ambition clear after transfer

Derby County are busy trying to develop their stars of the future given their reputation of producing homegrown talent over the years. Owen Eames is currently knocking on the door of the first team and is currently on loan with Falkirk after breaking into John Eustace's plans last term while there are also high hopes for Cruz Allen who signed a new deal in the summer.

Here we take a look at what's going on in and around the academy as Derby aim to unearth more gems that could potentially save them millions.

A 'great occasion'

Danny Maye was disappointed that Derby County's under-21s side lost a thriller to Norwich City but said the experience of playing at Pride Park was a "brilliant occasion".

Derby's next generation of talent were beaten 4-3 by the Canaries in front of a small crowd who were treated to a terrific game that saw Maye's side fight back from a 3-0 half-time deficit to make it 3-3.

Adisa Osayande and Raymond Offor scored twice in ten minutes before Charlie Smith evened the scoreline, but Finlay Corke scored a late winner for the visitors.

Under-21s lead coach Maye said: "First and foremost and really disappointed that we've got ourselves back into the game, had the momentum, missed a couple of chances really that we should be taking and then it's just a bit of a naive moment defensively at the end.

"But the occasion was brilliant. Of course, we're disappointed to lose the game. We're really careful not to play anything down.

"When we're given this opportunity by the club, it's a chance to ramp it up. I want them to feel pressure, we want it to feel different - that's the purpose of these games. To have a crowd come in that was really supportive as well was outstanding. They really got behind the lads.

"The reaction in the second half was fantastic, but again, disappointing to lose the points at the end."

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Zach Marsh hopes to break into Derby County's first team as he outlined his ambitions following his move to Pride Park.

Marsh joined the club's academy after leaving Crystal Palace with the forward having already graced the substitutes' bench in the Premier League for a game against Nottingham Forest.

The forward is eager to make the breakthrough at Pride Park and said: "It's a great environment and a great club, so I'm really happy to be here. My agent had a phone call and it was an opportunity that I couldn't really turn down.

"I came in, kind of was around the lads and then got offered a contract, which I'm really grateful for.

"I'm desperate to play first team football somewhere so you're always thinking about who's watching and how you're wanting to impress, to catch someone's eye and hopefully be given an opportunity."

Marsh left Watford for Palace when he was 16 and added: "I played grassroots till I was 13, and then signed for Watford.

"I was there till I was 16, then went to Palace, and I've been there for the last four years. It has given me that hunger.

"It's good because I've been around the first team environment, so I feel like I understand what's required, so if called upon, if given a chance, I think I'd hopefully be able to take it. The aim is I think firstly to just get playing and get scoring goals for the 21s and then hopefully break into the first team. That's why I've come here."

Derby County under-18s suffered their first home defeat since September as they were beaten 5-1 by Manchester City in the Premier League. City striker Tireni Aiyegbusi had put the visitors in the lead before Kieran Clarke equalised with a superb strike.

But Aiyegbusi scored again for City to give them the lead at the interval before second-half goals from Javahn Woode, Darren Motsi and Freddie Lawrie sealed the win.

Bradley Johnson’s side are next in action at Leeds United this weekend when they face the Whites at the Thorp Arch Training Ground.