Chris Powell says Will Hughes has ‘really impressed’ in his time at Derby

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How much longer Derby can hold on to Will Hughes is anyone’s guess, but Powell will be hoping he sticks around a little while longer.

The quality of Will Hughes has come as a pleasant surprise to Derby County assistant coach Chris Powell, as reported by the club’s official website.

The England Under-21 international has evolved into one of the first names on the team sheet at the iPro since making his first-team debut as a precocious 16-year-old back in 2011, developing a reputation as being one of the nation’s most technically gifted stars.

Consequently, Hughes has been dogged with almost constant rumours of a departure from Derby, with Manchester United linked incessantly through the summer months, as reported by Sky Sports.

And Powell, who arrived at the East Midlands outfit as assistant to Nigel Pearson in the summer before staying on under Steve McClaren, admits that he has relished watching Hughes in full-flight on a day-by-day basis.

“Will has really impressed me. I used to watch him from afar but now I get to see him day-in-day-out and also in games,” the former Charlton manager told Derby’s official website.

“He is a talented young player but, as with any player at that age, he still has lots to add to his game and I think he will do that.

“We have to make sure that the environment and culture is right for that to happen.”

A cruciate ligament injury stalled Hughes’ progress at a vital stage of his career last season, forcing him to miss eight months of action as Derby once again missed out on a place in the Premier League by virtue of the play-offs.

However, the return of McClaren, who helped nurture the quick-footed playmaker in his first spell at the club, already appears to have put Hughes right back on track to fulfil his enormous potential.

A switch to one of English football’s most demanding environments may still be some time away, but his intricate clipped pass to set up Darren Bent’s thunderous volley against Wolves last week offered an ingenious reminder of his vision, class and unrivalled technical ability.