"The next step" - Paul Warne hints at more Derby County departures | OneFootball

Paul Warne reveals Derby County to send more youngsters out on loan

Derby County boss Paul Warne has revealed that more of the club's youngsters could head out on loan, as they seek a pathway to first team football at Pride Park.

The loan market has proved fruitful for the Rams starlets recently, as young forward Dajaune Brown spent last term on loan at National League outfit Gateshead, where he scored nine goals in 22 appearances across all competitions, and has now become a member of Warne's first team squad following the club's promotion to the Championship.

Brown recently made a one-minute cameo appearance as a late substitute during the Rams' 3-0 victory over Bristol City, which could be a sign that he is set to earn playing time in the second tier this season.

He also played for Derby during both the first and second round of the EFL Cup, and provided an assist against Derbyshire rivals Chesterfield, as his side emerged as 2-1 victors during the striker's only start of the campaign so far.

Fellow Rams youngster Ben Radcliffe has followed in Brown's footsteps with a loan move to Gateshead and the centre-half made his National League debut during a 2-0 win over Barnet last Saturday.

Rams intend to send more youngsters on loan

When asked by the Derby Telegraph if more youngsters could be departing on loan, Warne revealed: "Yes, I think so.

"Every conversation I have regarding that, I'm all over it.

"There is no one who could convince me that Dajaune Brown going out on loan to Gateshead wasn't a good (move) for him. It was great.

"And I personally think that, in previous seasons, there hasn't been enough of it.

"Matt Hale, the head of the academy, thinks the same way as me, which helps, and then, obviously, we have the people above us.

"I think that's the way to go. I think you get to a level where you've outgrown the under-21s, but you're not close enough to the first-team squad.

"The next step is to get game time out on loan.

"I think we should continue with that way of thinking."

Rams fans must be pleased by Warne's loan strategy

The first thing on the minds of Rams supporters will be whether the Pride Park outfit can maintain their strong home form of late, and therefore enjoy a comfortable first season back in the Championship following an unwanted two-year stint in League One.

But the Rams faithful will also be proud in the years to come if their club's youngsters go on to become prominent members of Warne's first team.

As set out by the manager, making a loan move to experience senior football elsewhere is a route which could enable several starlets to do just that.

Young striker Brown has clearly found a new level of confidence after scoring nine goals in senior football for Gateshead last term, and is now reaping the benefits of his previous loan move, having been handed first team minutes by the Rams already this season.

Exciting times could be up ahead for the Rams if the likes of Brown can establish themselves as first team assets at Pride Park, and supporters would be proud to see their club's academy stars performing on the Championship stage.