Pearce heaps praise on Hughes

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has praised Derby midfielder Will Hughes, calling the teenager an "exciting talent.

Pearce last week named Hughes in his squad for Tuesday night's friendly against Sweden at Walsall's Banks's Stadium.

The 17-year-old Rams playmaker became the second youngest player after Theo Walcott to represent the Young Lions when he made his debut as a substitute against Northern Ireland in November.

Pearce said: "Will Hughes is a real talent in the Championship and he's exciting to watch.

"We have to make sure he doesn't play too many games as he's still young but he's worthy of his place in that Derby team as he makes them tick."