Davis to blood local youths

Davis to blood local youths

Published Apr. 24, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

Derby manager Nigel Clough is targeting six new signings this summer but has warned players must also leave Pride Park.

Clough has stepped up his search for new players with the season nearing its close and has already held talks with some of his targets.

He told the Derby Telegraph: "I think half a dozen signings is the target we have come up with and they are pretty much set in our mind.

"But there will be some going out. It will not be a case of just adding six to the squad. A few will be going, but hopefully not the important ones.

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"The recruitment process has been stepped up since Saturday. We are talking to some players who we would like to bring in. We have started to talk to one or two who will be out of contract, and we are getting a positive response."

Striker Chris Martin and left-sided player Craig Forsyth, currently on loan with the Rams, are among Clough's targets.

Martin is out of contract at Norwich this summer and Forysth has another year to run on his deal at Watford.

On those two, Clough added: "They have done well for us and there is a possibility of them coming in.

"Chris is out of contract, so there will be more clubs after him. Craig has got a year left at Watford, so that will be dependent on their stance."

Chuks Aneke's stunning 25-yard strike secured Alex their first win since lifting the Johnstone's Paint Trophy but the on-loan midfielder will not be starting at the weekend as Davis looks to give youth a chance.

"I'm going to give the academy boys a chance to show what they can do," he revealed.

"I am going to play 11 homegrown boys which will be a really good test for them and a piece of history for us. I will be a really young team maybe even an Under-20's team.

"This is the way clubs should go rather than bringing in players on ridiculous wages and going bust.

"Sometimes the youngsters can take you down and sometimes they can get you promoted but you have to be brave and courageous and give them the chance.

"We want instil a little belief in them and give them the chance in a tough league. They are good group and we want them to all be successful."

Davis admitted his relief at having ended a four-match winless run on Tuesday night.

He added: "I was delighted to get the win because we have had a difficult spell after Wembley. Having six hard games after that has been tough for them and it has been hard to get them going again.

"They responded well with a battling performance and it was a really great goal to win it."

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