CLASSY WILL CAN MAKE GOOD TIMES ROLL

PRECIOUS few players bounce seamlessly back from a serious injury. Even wunderkinds like Will Hughes. In the nine months since his return from a ruptured cruciate, the 21-year-old has rarely played with the fearless swagger and poise that won 17 Under-21 caps and brought scouts flocking to Pride Park. Confident, fit and plugged into a system that suits, the midfielder can run a game. Last week’s classy display against Reading – coupled with a terrific strike (pictured right) – suggested the Hughes of old is finally inching back.