Derby County boss Phillip Cocu says he's pleased for Krystian Bielik after he was called up to the Poland national squad for the first time earlier this week.


Bielik, who has represented Poland from Under-16s level all the way through to the Under-21s, has been recognised for his recent form for both club and country.

The 21-year-old, who can play in defence and midfield, was part of Poland’s Under-21 squad for this summer’s European Championships which were held in Italy.

He scored twice in the competition and despite registering two wins out of three games, they fell out of the tournament at the Group Stage.

Bielik has started the season well for the Rams after joining the club in the summer from Arsenal. He has impressed at the heart of defence and the Derby boss says it's pleasing to see players called up for international duty.

“It’s great news for him,” Cocu told RamsTV. “I always like if players go to into international breaks and play for the national team.

“It’s the first time he has joined them so I wish him all the best. He only has to make sure he comes back fit!”


Bielik is likely to return to the squad for Saturday’s trip to the capital to take on Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship after being rested for the midweek Carabao Cup Second Round tie at Nottingham Forest.

The Rams will be hoping for victory as they end the opening sequence of fixtures before the international break against the Bees this weekend.

Cocu has given an injury update ahead of the game and has positive news regarding the fitness of full-back Jayden Bogle.

“Hopefully Jayden will come back after the international break,” he said. “He has an individual programme like Ikechi Anya and Scott Malone, who are also injured.

“Scott has a minor problem and could be available on Saturday. Andre Wisdom is starting to train with the team too so that’s positive.

“Slowly we are getting back as a team like we had in mind and hopefully when they get back, we can stay fit as a whole team.”