Thu 03 Mar
Time to read: 2mins
Darren Wassall wants Alex Cover and Alex Babos to grasp the opportunity that comes with signing their first professional contracts.
The second year scholars put pen-to-paper on deals until the summer of 2018 earlier this week.
The pair have impressed in Derby’s Under 18 side this season and their progress has seen them rewarded with appearances at Under 21 level.
Wassall says becoming professional footballers is ‘just the start’ of the duo’s journey and Derby’s Head Coach has challenged them to kick on and continue their development.
The pair will officially become part of the Under 21s on a full-time basis during the summer once they complete their scholarship programmes, along with Ethan Wassall and Kellan Gordon who penned professional terms back in October.
Wassall told Rams Player HD: “It’s fantastic for them and a massive moment of their lives to sign professional contracts here at Derby County.
“Both players joined the club as full-time scholars in the summer of 2014 and, like every other player, their ambition was to turn professional.
“Now they have achieved that goal it is important that they remember that this is just the start of their journey.
“They have the status of professional footballers but they are not yet first-team players. The challenge is there for them to kick on and be part of the Under 21s and, hopefully, be knocking on the door for the first-team in the future.
“We want them to enjoy the moment and also use it as a springboard to develop even further.”
He added: “We are excited about both players and the mantra for our Academy is ‘talent alone is not enough’, so they need to knuckle down and grasp the opportunity that a professional deal gives them.
“It has given them two more years of development here at the club and hopefully they take advantage of it.”
Wassall has been pleased with the progress Cover and Babos this season.
The pair have established themselves as key members of the Under 18s this term and added consistency to their respective games.
He said: “Alex Cover is a very competitive centre-back who has got better as the season has unfolded and, as well as playing for the Under 18s, he has played for the Under 21s recently alongside Jake Buxton.
“Alex Babos can play in the number 10 role and up front and he can make things happen on the pitch.
“He has got more and more consistent as the months have unfolded. He has been an integral part of the Under 18s this season and he has featured for the Under 21s as well.”
