LUKE Thomas, the promising Derby County forward from Cinderford, has been hailed by Rams manager Gary Rowett after picking up the Championship club’s young player of the year award.

Thomas, 19, has made two first team appearances for Derby in the Championship this season, coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers for his debut in November and again in Derby’s 3-0 home victory against Bolton in April.

“Luke has been outstanding in the Under-23s for a player at 19 years of age and has scored and created goals,” Rowett said.

“It isn’t that long ago he was on loan at Gloucester City and for him to come into the first team fold is a step up.

“He’s doing what he has been doing for the Under-23s in training and he’s seen the fruits of his labour by making two first-team appearances.

“I’ve been really pleased with him and see him as a big part of next season.”

Thomas, who signed to Derby in January 2016 in a £100,000 transfer from Cheltenham Town, could yet be part of a Premier League club in 2018-19.

Derby occupy the final play-off place going into Saturday’s curtain-closer against visitors Barnsley at Pride Park.