WILL Hughes returns to Championship action with Derby County tomorrow, boosted by praise from England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate.
Hughes helped England book a place in next summer's European Championship finals in the Czech Republic.
The 19-year-old midfielder started and starred in both legs of their play-off tie against Croatia.
His performance in Tuesday's second leg in Vinkovci particularly caught the eye.
He scored a fine winning goal to give England a 2-1 victory on the night and a 4-2 win on aggregate.
Southgate was impressed.
"He was fantastic," said Southgate.
"I think he was the youngest player in our team and has played with great maturity in both matches, under scrutiny and the spotlight.
"His touch and his awareness was first class.
"It's difficult to single people out because there were so many good performances but I thought he was outstanding."
Hughes has featured in all of Derby's 14 matches this season and has started 12.
His total number of appearances for the club stands at 103, a remarkable record given his age.
Rams head coach Steve McClaren, a former England manager, believes there is more to come from Hughes.
"Will is playing well," said McClaren.
"He is only doing what I think he is capable of doing and he needs to do that more consistently.
"He is developing and he is getting better but there is still a long way to go.
"What pleases me is he's getting some end product to his play.
"He can always keep the ball and deal with it but that killer pass to unlock packed defences or scoring a goal, that is what he has added to his game."
McClaren describes Hughes as a "modern-type" of player.
"In my experience, players like the Spanish, the Dutch and the Brazilians produce can get out of tight areas very well," added McClaren.
"You think you have them trapped, you think you can nick the ball and, all of a sudden, they can get out of that situation.
"It is something I have always talked about in the English game, something we could never quite get to grips with, but I think we are developing players now who are capable of doing that.
"And Will is one of those players.
"We have a lot of others, when you see the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Jack Wilshere.
"They are the modern-type of players. You can give them the ball in any situation and you know they are going to keep it. That is so vital at top-level football."
