18 year-old Jason Knight has had one hell of a December.
The Irish u21 international had already been attracting the plaudits of his manager, Phillip Cocu, following his performances in recent weeks but the youngster kicked into another gear on Monday night, scoring twice and picking up the man of the match award in Derby's 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic.
The young midfielder - starting his fifth Championship match in quick succession - became only the second Derby player this century aged 18 or younger to score twice in a match.
Knight's first goal was as much about bravery as it was about skill, nodding home a loose ball after an initial save from Charlton's goalkeeper Dillon Phillips. It was Knight's first ever goal for the club.
#DCFC lead!
It bounces off Phillips and loops towards Knight who nods in from close range to grab his first ever goal for Derby!
Follow the Sky Bet Championship clash between @dcfcofficial and @CAFCofficial live on Sky Sports Football: https://t.co/tm7JvRCLee pic.twitter.com/LenM2F3jgY— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 30, 2019
With 20 minutes to go Knight popped up again, this time coolly slotting home a cross with his left foot to give his side a comfortable lead.
What a night for Knight!
His second of the evening as Derby extend their lead with only ten men on the pitch!
Follow the Sky Bet Championship clash between @dcfcofficial and @CAFCofficial live on Sky Sports Football: https://t.co/tm7JvRCLee pic.twitter.com/6vPStmBtLJ— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 30, 2019
Although Derby conceded a goal late on, Knight's brace was enough to see them home and earn hiM the man of the match award.
His new player-coach Wayne Rooney has already been gushing about the Cabinteely graduate on RamsTV earlier this week:
I've been really impressed with the way they've trained, particularly Knighty. His energy, his attitude. He almost reminds me of myself when I was younger in terms of no fear.
And he's got an aggression about him, not in terms of how he's tackling, but in terms of how he runs, how he gets about the pitch. I'm looking forward to see how they do as I feel he can give us a lot of energy and a lot of creativity.
Here's hoping we see more of the same from him in 2020.
