Derby County have one of the best academies in the country at producing talented youngsters.

In their current first-team set-up, Derby County have centre-back Eiran Cashin, midfielder Liam Thompson and striker Dajaune Brown as the most notable examples.

Brown flourished after being sent on loan to Gateshead in January, with the 19-year-old striking six times in seven National League starts.

As a result, Brown recently signed a new three-year contract at Derby, keeping him at Pride Park till 2027.

He's also appeared twice from the bench in the Championship this term, and he isn't the only youngster who has impressed in the academy.

Regarded as an 'old fashioned' frontman, Wheeldon joined the Rams from Notts County as an under-16 player and has since showcased his goal-scoring prowess.

During his first full season in the under-18 Premier League, the 2006-born forward plundered nine goals in 20 appearances in 2022/23.

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Wheeldon then continued to impress throughout 2023/24 as the youngster began to shine for the under-21 side before making his senior debut in an EFL Trophy win over Wolves last November.

Derby County's website has lauded the teenager for reaching 'impressive' heights at the start of this campaign after scoring three goals in as many Premier League 2 appearances while netting his first for England's under-19s.

Wheeldon came off the bench to score in the 69th minute as the Three Lions clinched a 4-2 victory over France.

Standing at over 6 feet tall, the Derby youngster is set for a bright future in the game and he could mirror the development of former striker, Liam Delap.

Lennon Wheeldon could be Derby's next Liam Delap A product of Derby's youth system, Delap made a name for himself in the Rams academy, appearing eight times for the under-18s before being snapped up by Manchester City in the summer of 2019.

Since leaving Pride Park five years ago, Delap has developed into the complete forward, whose pace and power can trouble most defences.

The 21-year-old scored an eye-watering 35 goals in 36 appearances for Man City's under-23 side before enjoying a productive loan spell at Hull City last term, where he netted eight in 31 matches.

That form under Liam Rosenior led to Ipswich Town buying the England under-21 international for PS20 million, with Derby benefitting from a financial windfall after Delap completed his move.

He's since taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, firing four goals in seven appearances for Ipswich, including a brace against Aston Villa.

If Wheeldon can continue developing at a similar rate to the former Derby man, Warne will hope he can follow in Delap's footsteps and become a quality striker.