Coca-Cola Divisions: Players to watch - Tom Huddlestone

TOM HUDDLESTONE (Derby County)




At the start of last season, aged 16, Huddlestone made his full league debut for the Rams.

By the end of the campaign he had earned a professional contract, made the most appearances for the club and was named young player of the year.

Huddleston's commanding physique is not his only attribute. He is powerful in the air and strong in the tackle, but what stands out most of all is his touch and vision.

By no means the finished article, he has a big future and Rams boss George Burley will hope it is with Derby.

link

[Edited on 7/8/04 by TRD]

He has been linked with other clubs recently, but Derby have said he aint for sale ,having said that they could sell him if the dough was right this means letting a bright youngster go.

Derby midfielder Tom Huddlestone capped an excellent week when he won his first call-up to the England under-21 squad on Thursday.

Huddlestone, who on Tuesday signed a pre-contract agreement to join Tottenham in the summer, has been included by England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor in the squad for Tuesday's friendly international with Holland at Pride Park.

Sportinglife

I'm not surprised as he has been playing well all season. Spurs might have got a steal in him signing a pre-deal for next season.

England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor believes Tottenham have picked up a bargain in 2.5million signing Tom Huddlestone. Teenager Huddlestone, who has played a major role in Derby's midfield and also at the centre of defence, is set to make his under-21 international debut when Taylor's men play Holland in a friendly at Pride Park.

Taylor has confirmed Huddlestone - he has signed a pre-contract agreement with Spurs and joins in the summer - will play some part against the Dutch after impressing in training. Derby boss George Burley has already predicted Huddlestone will become a lynchpin member of the senior England side.

Sportinglife