Derby County star hopes the return of Steve McClaren can help him rediscover his form

Follow us on Google Discover

It seems a long time since Tom Ince and Wilfried Zaha were English football’s most exciting talents and the former hopes the ship has not sailed yet.

Derby County winger Tom Ince has told the Derby Telegraph that he is hopeful the return of manager Steve McClaren can help him rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s most exciting talents.

The goalscoring wideman arrived at the iPro Stadium initially on loan midway through the 2014-15 season after struggling to make an impact at Hull City.

His prolific tally of 11 goals in 18 appearances convinced the Rams to part with a then-club-record £4.75 million to secure his services on a permanent deal the following summer.

However, despite initially forming a formidable attacking triumvirate with Chris Martin and Johnny Russell, Ince’s form dropped somewhat after McClaren’s departure in May 2015.

The 24-year-old has netted just once in nine league starts so far this season but holds the belief that McClaren’s commitment to attacking football can help him return to his dazzling best after falling out of favour with the more pragmatic Nigel Pearson (below).

“When you’re a forward player, or a winger especially, you always have those managers that believe in what you do and what you bring to the table,” Ince revealed to the Derby Telegraph.

“They are not afraid of you taking risks and maybe making the odd mistake.

“It’s not always going to come off – you’re going to lose the ball, you’re going to make mistakes – but that one time can be a game-changing moment and that chance that wins you a game.

“That’s what the boss wants – for us to express ourselves, enjoy our football and show our talent.”

McClaren’s return 17 months after his departure certainly divided the Derby fanbase, but it must be remembered that The Rams evolved into the league’s most exciting attacking side during the former England manager’s tenure.

With Ince still in the ranks, and the likes of Matej Vydra and Ikechi Anya looking for guidance after a disappointing start to their Derby careers, McClaren possesses the nucleus of a side that can go one step further than the nearly-men of 2013-14, who missed out on promotion thanks to a last-gasp Bobby Zamora strike in the play-off final against QPR.